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More than 137 million American adults, about 56%, have suffered costs related to medical care, according to a study released Thursday by the American Cancer Society.
Adults aged 18 to 64 suffered more than seniors, according to data from the National Health Interview Survey collected from 2015 to 2017. Compared to Americans aged 65 and over, younger adults reported higher rates of material content (28.9% to 15.3%), psychological (46.9% versus 28.4%) and financial difficulties related to behavior (21.2%) 12.7%).
The study, which appears in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, assessed concerns, including the affordability of care, the potential delay in care until they can be paid, as well as the associated stressors.
High direct costs are becoming an "increasingly critical issue for patients," ACS said on its website. "This can result in the depletion of assets and medical debt, as well as the distress and anxiety raised by household finances."
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According to the study, adults aged 18 to 64 years less educated have suffered more. Women have suffered more than men. Uninsured Americans were the most likely to report multiple hardship cases.
Until important steps are taken, according to the study's authors, working conditions are likely to worsen.
"With the increasing prevalence of multiple chronic diseases, greater patient participation in costs and health care costs, the risk of hardship will likely increase in the future," the authors wrote. "Thus, the development and evaluation of the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of strategies to minimize financial hardship in health will be important."
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