The Spark

Poll show Pennsylvanians delay treatments because of healthcare costs; Have medical debt

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The two biggest expenses most Americans have traditionally faced is a mortgage or rent and a vehicle. It looks like the cost of healthcare can added to the list of largest debts for many.

Results of a statewide poll released last week finds 57% of Pennsylvanians say they struggle with affording medial care and half are delaying or avoiding medical care due to its cost.

Other results of the poll include:

  • Nearly 3 in 5 struggled with at least one healthcare-related financial burden in the last year;
  • More than 4 in 5 worry about affording health care in the future;
  • More than half delayed or went without health care due to cost in the last year;
  • 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians are either incurring debt, taking out loans, or sacrificing basic necessities in order to pay their medical bills, and 1 in 4 have medical bills that are overdue;
  • Rural Pennsylvanians reported higher rates of going without care and rationing medications due to cost; still, nearly half of those living in urban areas went without care due to cost; and
  • Across party lines, Pennsylvanians show strong support for government action, endorsing a wide range of policies aimed at lowering healthcare costs.

    • Joining us on The Spark Monday were Antoinette Kraus, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Health Access Network and Laura Smith of Allegheny County, who survived cancer and the removal of a tumor but faced medical bills she couldn't afford afterwards.

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