Affordability is a widespread problem even as fewer Americans go without health insurance. Out-of-pocket costs have been rising faster than inflation, causing people to delay care, worrying about bills, and incurring medical debt. This financial burden affects individual health, impacting care access, such as insulin for diabetes or follow-ups on mammograms, leading to significant long-term health outcomes and healthcare expenditures.
As health care costs continue to climb, household budgets are forced to adjust. This means families have to sacrifice necessities like groceries or housing, exacerbating public health issues, especially for low-income families. The rising expense of healthcare increases the risk of catastrophic scenarios like personal bankruptcy or losing one’s home, each creating their own issues for individuals’ well-being.
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