Growing Economic Problems Causing more to Avoid, Delay Medical Treatment

Hard economic times are starting to impact health care, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Already feeling the pinch at the gas pump and grocery store, a growing number of people are facing hard choices when it comes to their health. More people are delaying health care that is seen as "non-critical" and adjusting - or stopping - their medications because of an inability to shoulder the extra cost. The result? Patients are showing up sicker in doctor's offices and emergency rooms. That, though, has the opposite financical effect, as urgent care and emergenc room treatment is often significantly more expensive than the monthly cost of medications and office visits, even for those with little or no insurance.

While those with insurance might pay up to $30 or $40 for prescription medications - potentially up to $100 or more for those without insurance drug coverge - and a similar amount for office visits (an average of $165 for those with no insurance), a trip to the emergency room can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

Data shows that insurance companies are feeling the pinch, too. The severity and cost of claims has risen across the board this year, one of the first increases of this type in recent history.

On the patient side, medication compliance, preventative care, and elective procedures are all showing reductions.