NYT: Health care is a hardship for many Americans

NEW YORK — As out-of-pocket expenses rise, many Americans say that the affordability of basic medical care is a hardship and, as a result, some are forgoing treatment because they are worried about cost, according to a recent national poll conducted by The New York Times and CBS News.



Respondents shared their experiences, and many told tales of the increasing burden of healthcare costs. According to the findings, nearly half of respondents said the affordability of basic medical care is a hardship — up 10 points from a year ago. As the article states, the Affordable Care Act may have expanded insurance, but it does not directly tackle costs.

Facing rising out-of-pocket expenses and concern over potential costs in a system that lacks transparency, some respondents admitted that they try to avoid treatment because of money.



The poll also found that Americans greatly desire more information about the cost of services so they can manage their expenses. Meanwhile, physicians argued that they do not know how much treatments costs, in part, because of uncertainties of insurance reimbursement.