The California HealthCare Foundation reports that increasing the share employees pay for their health coverage, originally intended to "encourage workers to spend wisely" -- the assumption being that when too much was covered, employees just ran to doctors at the drop of a hat -- has the unintended consequence of causing at least some to forego needed care.
A survey conducted by Harris Interactive of California employers, residents and adults with chronic illnesses revealed that the increase in cost to employees has resulted in a number of those with lower incomes, fair to poor health or chronic diseases to forego needed medical care. Some 40% of employers also think this contributes to lowered productivity. The survey reported that overall one in seven adults with increased cost-sharing of medical coverage did not sseek medical care due to costs.
Kaiser PErmanente commissioned a survey that indicated that even the very wealthy had concerns about health care, in particular that catastrophic illness could eat up all their wealth even with coverage.
The information with links to the surveys can be found at Quote-of-the-Day. To join the mailing list, go to http://two.pair list.net/mailman/listinfo/quote-of-the-day.
