KFF Health Security Watch Delaying Health Care to Avoid Cost Common

While economic challenges facing the country continue and the Supreme Court is deciding the fate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), May’s Health Tracking Poll finds that the problems and concerns related to health care costs and access are wide-spread. A quarter report they have had problems paying medical bills in the past year and six in ten say they have cut corners to avoid health care costs. The survey also finds that health care can be a point of stress as many Americans report being worried about losing their health insurance or not being able to afford needed care. Health care-related problems and worries are particularly intense among the uninsured, those with lower incomes, and those in poor health. For example, eight in ten of those who say they are in poor health report they have delayed or skipped care due to cost in the past year. To read more, check out the full Health Security Watch here.