Study finds widespread medical financial hardship in U.S. population
The high cost of health care is placing a heavy burden on more than 137 million Americans in the form of stress or delayed care, according to a new study by American Cancer Society (ACS). Additionally, researchers found that medical financial hardship is on the upswing in the U.S.
The consequences of high out-of-pocket spending for medical needs may include a depletion of assets and pressure on household finances. Patients may delay or forgo needed medical care because of cost, jeopardizing benefits of treatment.