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More americans fear medical bills than being seriously ill

October 3, 2019

The high cost of healthcare has led many Americans to delay or forgo recommended medical care such as tests, treatments and doctor visits.

In fact, more people are afraid of paying their medical bills (40%) than becoming seriously ill (33%), according to a new poll by NORC at the University of Chicago. With funding from the West Health Institute, the nonpartisan research institute surveyed more than 1,300 adults. Some of the notable findings:

  • 30% had to choose between paying for medical bills or necessities like food or heat.
  • 74% said Americans don’t get good value for what the country spends on healthcare.
  • 32% were unable to fill a prescription or took less than the prescribed dose because of how much it cost.
  • 47% went without a routine dental cleaning or checkup due to cost.

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