Study Reveals 40% of Workplace-Insured Americans Delay Healthcare Due to Cost

Nearly 40% of workplace-insured Americans reported delaying their healthcare due to cost concerns, according to a recent study conducted by Paytient. Paytient sheds light in their study on the challenges faced by workplace-insured Americans in accessing healthcare.

Paytient provides companies and their employees a way to pay for healthcare over time.

The study, "The Hidden Lives of Workplace-Insured Americans," sheds light on who financial barriers are negatively impacting the wellbeing, productivity of patients with employer-sponsored insurance.

Over a six-month period, researchers at Paytient interviewed thousands of employed Americans with employer-sponsored insurance. The study focused on individuals across various income levels, occupations and regions to ensure a diverse representation.

Among the study’s key findings, one in six respondents disclosed that their work was adversely affected by untreated health issues due to financial constraints, with 69% admitting to being distracted by pain while at work.

Additionally, 45% of workplace-insured Americans failed to meet their single coverage deductible in 2023, falling short by an average of $1,482.

The study also highlighted the types of care most commonly delayed by workplace-insured Americans, with dental care, specialist referrals,and primary care ranking among the top three.

In addition, it revealed that almost 20 million people sought care at the emergency room due to prolonged delays in seeking treatment, and 38% experienced worsening health conditions as a result of deferred care.

Financial challenges also took a toll on mental health with 34% reporting negative impacts, and 17% indicating that delaying care resulted in higher treatment costs.

What’s more concerning is that 17% of workplace-insured Americans even resorted to leaving their jobs in hopes of better healthcare affordability, while 19% worked multiple jobs simultaneously to cover medical expenses.

Brian Whorley, founder and CEO of Paytient, emphasized the urgency of addressing the financial insecurity faced by insured Americans.

"The results of this study spotlight the invisible insecurity of insured Americans as health insurance alone no longer guarantees access to care," Whorley said.

In addition, he advocated for employers to play a proactive role in ensuring their employees have access to affordable healthcare.