About one in four Obamacare enrollees who signed up for high-deductible health insurance chose not to access any care last year, according to a new study. Health advocates are calling for more states to adopt programs like one just announced in New York state that connect people with low-cost coverage.
An analysis of data from the Urban Institute’s Health Reform Monitoring Survey showed more than 25 percent of people who bought non-group insurance last year did not use the coverage for needed services, like medical treatments, prescription drugs, and tests.
Cost was cited as the reason for Americans with deductibles of $1,500 or more.
It’s not surprising, says Ron Pollack, executive director of FamiliesUSA. “If the deductibles are high and people have to pay for that completely out of pocket before they get healthcare, it is an impediment to people getting the care they need.”
Following in Minnesota’s footsteps, New York has announced the adoption of a basic health plan that provides low-income residents coverage without deductibles. Pollack says more states should follow suit, but changes can go further.
“Our hope is that more health plans will be made available to people that provide important services in advance of paying the deductible,” said Pollack.
The report did not analyze dental coverage, but Pollack calls dental care the most significant area of missing coverage today.