Even as a historically high number of Americans have health insurance, continuing gaps in coverage and high out-of-pocket health costs are blocking many people from getting the care they need. The latest Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey finds more than two in five working-age adults are inadequately insured, and many report skipping or delaying care or not filling prescriptions.
In a new report, the Commonwealth Fund’s Sara Collins, Lauren Haynes, and Relebohile Masitha share insights from the survey about:
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how many Americans experience coverage gaps
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how many have insurance but are underinsured
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how health care costs are affecting decisions to get needed care
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how many people have medical bills they cannot pay.
The researchers also point to ways Congress could build on temporary pandemic measures to bridge coverage gaps and reduce health care costs — an idea supported by many Americans across the political spectrum. |