18 May 2021

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Florida survey: Cost and deductibles leading to delay in care

Katherine E. Pfaff

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Forty percent of would-be patients cited the cost of care or insurance deductible as the reason they are delaying care, according to respondents in a survey of Florida residents by fintech company Care Cap Plus. According to the survey, 4 in 10 patients would pay out of pocket, and 35% would opt to skip a procedure. The majority of respondents cited dental or orthodontic procedures as costly and likely they would delay, compared to 36% who cited urgent care or screenings. 

The survey included 600 Florida residents and was conducted in February. Care Cap Plus collaborates with providers to create payment options for patients.

Survey findings include:

• 39% of respondents say they have delayed a medical procedure because they couldn't afford it or the deductible.

• Among those who have delayed due to cost, the largest number (76%) cited dental or orthodontic work. Next, but with half as many responses, was putting off an urgent or critical procedure such as a diagnostic test or surgery (36%).

• Nearly 4 in 10 Floridians with a medical expense not covered by insurance will dip into savings (38%) or use a personal credit card (37%). Just over one-third would choose not to have the procedure (35%).

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-4-in-10-floridians-delay-medical-procedures-over-affordability-high-deductibles-301282179.html