Patients Are Deferring Care, But At What Cost?

It’s no secret the cost of healthcare is rising. This increase in cost is a financial burden on U.S. families and is ranked as a top financial worry.

About half of U.S. adults say they have difficulty affording health care costs, and about four in ten U.S. adults say they have delayed or gone without medical care in the last year due to cost. With consumers afraid of costly care, more are choosing to defer care to keep budgets in check. 

The effects of postponing medical care can be severe, not only for patients but also for providers, leading to more expensive treatments and poorer health outcomes in the long term. In this blog, we will discuss the hidden costs of delaying care and the benefits of prioritizing personal health.

Preventive Care is Key

Preventive healthcare through regular checkups can help catch and treat potential health issues before they become larger problems. Only visiting your physician when you are sick does not allow for the necessary screenings to verify that your body is performing as it should. 

It’s estimated that nearly 60% of adult Americans have at least one chronic disease. When regular screenings are put off, these diseases are left untreated, leading to more expensive treatments or even death in some cases. Research from the American Cancer Society shows that patients who delay screenings for cancers such as colorectal, lung cancer, and breast cancer face a much higher chance of mortality than those who seek care right away and receive early treatment. 

Not only can postponing medical care worsen existing issues; it could even create new problems such as infections or severe organ damage that could have been avoided with timely care. For example, a patient with a cardiac issue that postpones medical treatment until the situation is so critical that emergency action is needed, is more prone to complications or risk of death than if they had sought assistance when initial signs first manifested. According to the American Heart Association, 50% of people who have a heart attack die in the emergency room, and many of these deaths could have been prevented if patients received early treatment.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

About one-third of insured adults worry about paying their monthly health insurance premium, and 44% worry about paying their deductible before health insurance kicks in. Patients may defer care due to these high premiums, high deductibles, and high costs. It is key to understand your health insurance plan and to educate yourself on ways to save on your care. 

Conclusion

Deferment of care is a growing issue that can have serious consequences. Patients should not postpone vital medical treatments due to financial worries, as the cost of postponing care can be more substantial than paying for it right away. 

MDsave offers an affordable solution that makes healthcare accessible while providing guaranteed prices up front. No one should put their health on hold due to high medical expenses. That’s why MDsave offers innovative payment and financing options such as PayPal and CareCredit, along with consumer credit cards and health savings accounts.

It's time to take control of your healthcare costs and access quality care. With MDsave, you can purchase procedures directly online at affordable rates that include all procedure-related fees. Don't let financial barriers keep you from getting the care you need. We’re making healthcare accessible for everyone—shop smarter and take charge of your health today.