December 14, 2007
Three in 10 Have Postponed Medical Treatment Due to Cost Most deferred treatment for serious condition by Magali Rheault
PRINCETON, NJ -- While Gallup's annual Healthcare survey shows that a majority of Americans say they are satisfied with the amount they pay for healthcare, the survey also reveals that a substantial minority of respondents report postponing medical treatment for themselves or a member of their family in the past year because of cost. Moreover, a majority of Americans who have put off treatment say it was for a "very" or "somewhat serious" medical condition or illness.
The Nov. 11-14 survey shows that 30% of Americans say they or a family member have put off medical treatment because of cost, up from 22% in 1991, when Gallup first asked the question. Since 2003, the percentage has increased gradually, and has been 30% in each of the last two years.
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