A recent survey conducted by ADAP Advocacy has uncovered alarming statistics about medical debt's pervasive impact on patient care and health in the United States. The comprehensive study, involving 673 patient responses, reveals a systemic challenge that threatens healthcare accessibility and individual well-being.
The research found that 77% of respondents have delayed or avoided medical care due to financial constraints, excluding prescription drug purchases. This staggering statistic suggests that economic barriers are preventing a significant portion of patients from receiving necessary medical treatment, potentially exacerbating health conditions and long-term medical outcomes.
Financial pressures extend beyond general medical care, with 71% of participants indicating they have postponed purchasing prescription drugs due to unaffordable out-of-pocket costs. This finding underscores the difficult choices patients face when managing their healthcare expenses.
Medical debt itself is widespread, with 74% of survey participants reporting personal medical debt. Hospitals are the primary debt holders, accounting for 39% of medical debt, followed by specialty care physicians at 22%. The financial burden is further intensified by the fact that 66% of respondents have medical debt in collections, and 40% reported that their medical debt has negatively impacted their credit scores.
Perhaps most concerning is that 70% of respondents indicated their medical debt has directly influenced their health status. This correlation suggests that financial strain is not merely an economic issue but a critical public health challenge that can compromise patient recovery and ongoing medical management.
Brandon M. Macsata, CEO of ADAP Advocacy, highlighted concerns about the 340B Drug Pricing Program, noting that hospital systems are benefiting from drug rebates intended to expand affordable healthcare access, yet these funds are not being utilized as originally intended by legislation.
The survey's findings illuminate a broader systemic issue within the U.S. healthcare landscape, where financial barriers prevent patients from receiving timely and necessary medical care. This research provides crucial evidence for policymakers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to address the growing medical debt crisis and its multifaceted implications for individual and public health.
