Healthcare affordability is a primary financial concern for Texans, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation/Episcopal Health Foundation poll of Texas residents.
The poll, conducted from March 28 to May 8, 2018, involved 1,367 adult Texas residents.
Here are five findings:
1. More than half of respondents reported them and their family face difficulty affording healthcare. Thirty-one percent of Texas residents said it is "somewhat difficult," while 25 percent said it is "very difficult."
2. More respondents said it is difficult for them and their family to afford healthcare than the cost of their rent or mortgage (45 percent), monthly utilities (42 percent), gasoline or other transportation costs (37 percent), or food (36 percent).
3. Thirty-eight percent of Texans said they or another person in their household struggled to pay medical bills in the past year. Of that 38 percent, the plurality (23 percent) reported the expenses have had a major effect on their family. Fourteen percent reported a minor effect.
4. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they or another family member in their household skipped or postponed care in the past 12 months because of cost.
5. More Texans said they or another person in their household struggled to pay medical bills in the past year (38 percent) compared to U.S. adults nationally (27 percent).
Read more about the findings here.
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