Group Says High Deductibles Cut Use Of Care

Adults with health savings account-compatible health insurance often have trouble getting and paying for medical care.[@@]

Representatives for the Commonwealth Fund, New York, a health care think tank, presented survey data backing that argument here today during a meeting organized by the National Academy of Social Insurance, Washington.

About half of adults with high-deductible plans have problems with paying for care or experience difficulties with access to care, such as having to skip a medical test due to cost, while only 31% of adults with lower deductibles experience those problems, according to Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis.

“Health savings accounts coupled with high deductible health plans have potential pitfalls, especially for families with low incomes or individuals with chronic health conditions, who are at greater risk of accruing burdensome medical debts and facing barriers to needed health care,” Davis said.