Americans Skipping Medical Care Due to Rising Costs

Healthcare was long considered recession-proof, but that is no longer true. Many Americans are skipping doctor visits or prescription doses to avoid paying rising out-of-pocket costs.

How the Recession Affects Healthcare Visits

A recent survey by the American Optometric Association shows alarming trends:

• 63% of Americans are skipping dentist visits.

• 59% are avoiding primary care appointments.

• 52% are not visiting the eye doctor.

Overall, 36% of Americans are cutting back on seeing doctors because of financial pressures.

Health Risks of Skipping Appointments

Doctors warn that skipping annual checkups can cause bigger problems later, both physically and financially. Dr. Glenn Nemec, a family physician at Monticello Clinic, reports: “About a dozen of my patients have been hospitalized in the last three months because they stopped taking prescription medications.” One patient even required hospitalization for a bleeding ulcer after stopping preventive medicine.

Who Is Most Affected?

Certain groups face higher risks:

• 49% of Hispanic patients report fewer doctor visits.

• 36% of African Americans and 33% of Caucasians skip appointments.

• Women are skipping medical visits more than men (38% vs. 32%).

Insurance Challenges

Federal programs like COBRA provided temporary relief by covering up to 65% of insurance costs for unemployed individuals. However, many have reached their coverage limits or no longer qualify for subsidies. As a result, these individuals often cancel appointments to save money.

Alternatives to Traditional Doctor Visits

Skipping routine care might save money short-term, but it can lead to serious health issues. Fortunately, there are cost-effective alternatives:

• Urgent care centers: Often cheaper for checkups and do not require appointments.

• Telemedicine services: Virtual consultations can reduce costs for minor health concerns.

• Community health clinics: Offer lower-cost or sliding-scale fees for medical care.

Takeaway

Avoiding medical care to save money may backfire in the long term. Explore affordable alternatives and stay proactive about your health. Small investments in preventive care today can prevent costly hospital visits tomorrow.

In addition, the American Optometric Association is offering basic eye health screenings and services for those who qualify, and they encourage people to call them at 1-800-766-4466 for more information.

Sources:
AOA survey
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Wall Street Journal