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June 10, 2008Insured But Poorly Protected: Number Up 60 Percent in 4 Years |
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From The Commonwealth Fund: The number of underinsured adults---those with health insurance all year, but also very high medical expenses relative to their incomes---rose by 60 percent between 2003 and 2007, from 16 million to more than 25 million, according to a new Commonwealth Fund study released today as a Health Affairs Web Exclusive. Middle and higher income families were hit the hardest by the steep increase: underinsured rates nearly tripled for those with incomes above 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is an annual income of $40,000 or higher for a family. Trends Among U.S. Adults, 2003 and 2007," Commonwealth Fund authors Cathy Schoen, Sara Collins, Jennifer Kriss and Michelle Doty use 2007 national survey data to provide a national estimate of the number of adults who are underinsured, updating a 2003 study. The analysis finds that 25.2 million insured adults ages 19-64 were underinsured based on their out-of-pocket health care costs relative to their incomes. Both underinsured and uninsured adults were significantly more likely to go without needed health care and to struggle with medical bills than people with adequate health insurance. The underinsured were almost as likely as the uninsured to face financial stress related to medical bills. The authors conclude that benefit designs that reduce cost-sharing for high-value, cost-effective care and lower cost-sharing for families with low and modest incomes will be necessary to achieve quality care and better health outcomes rather than just coverage. Health Affairs, published by Project HOPE, is the leading journal of health policy.
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