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- 3 - accessHealthNews.net Nov/Dec 2024 Volume 11 | Issue No. 90 Missouri Health Care Crisis Threatens Economic Stability Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) released two pivotal reports today that highlight significant challenges Missourians face in getting the care they need at a price they can afford. These findings, based on feedback from thousands of Missourians, underscore disparities in health care access and the impact of the high cost of health care. The first report, part of the Foundation's annual public opinion poll, Speak Up MO, focuses on Missourians' experiences with their health and the health care system. The second report, Medical Debt in Missouri, is part of a larger project to develop policy solutions on this issue. Health care access is not just a matter of public health – it's a critical economic issue affecting Missouri families and communities. Despite ongoing efforts to expand access in the state, one in five Missourians reported being without health insurance at some point in the past year. Further, access to physical health care varies significantly across demographic groups. While 66% of respondents said it was "very" or "somewhat easy" to find physical health care, disparities persist. Women, LGBTQ+ Missourians, people living in rural areas, and people with disabilities reported more difficulty accessing care. Even when patients can find care, affordability remains a significant hurdle. The high cost of insurance premiums, deductibles, and copays often puts care out of reach and stresses household budgets. The financial toll of health care is further evidenced by the high prevalence of medical debt. Half of Missouri adults (50%) report having current medical debt or having had medical debt in the past five years and 39% report they currently have medical debt. This is another issue that varies by demographics, with adults living in rural communities, Hispanic adults, those with a disability, and those without a college degree more likely to report having recent medical debt. Medical debt has far-reaching consequences, with 31% of those impacted by debt saying it has negatively affected their credit score, ability to obtain a car loan (22%), or ability to apply for an apartment or mortgage (19%). These financial barriers can trap families in a cycle of economic instability, limiting their ability to pursue better jobs, secure stable housing, and build a stronger financial future. "When people struggle to access affordable health care, the effects ripple through our economy," said Sheldon Weisgrau, MFH Vice President of Health Policy and Advocacy. "It's not just about health; it's about financial stability, workforce productivity, and the ability of families to thrive." Having health insurance doesn't always protect Missourians from financial strain when it comes to health care costs, highlighting a key disconnect between coverage and affordability. Alarmingly, 78% of those with medical debt had health insurance at the time they received medical care, yet still faced financial hardship. Even more concerning, 42% of Missouri residents are just a paycheck away from medical debt, with more than four in 10 reporting they would not be able to pay off an unexpected medical bill of $500 right away. "The burden of medical debt is not only financially devastating but also demoralizing for families," said Samantha Schrage Bunk, MFH Health Policy Strategist. "Missourians are clear – they want policy changes that make health care affordable and accessible, and they're looking for government and health care systems to listen to them and take action today." Missourians support several policy solutions aimed at improving health care access and affordability across the state. In the Speak Up MO report, residents' top responses identified several priorities for improving health, including expanding health care coverage or implementing universal health care, lowering health care costs, and addressing the cost of living. To address medical debt, Missourians strongly favor greater transparency, with 94% supporting policies that would require providers to clearly disclose pricing and available discount programs. Additionally, there is widespread support for reforms that would limit how much hospitals can charge for certain services (88%) and require all providers to follow the same criteria for financial assistance programs (85%). Missouri Foundation for Health is committed to addressing these issues through data-driven policy solutions and community collaboration. As part of this effort, MFH plans to release its next report on economic well-being and personal finances, followed by civic engagement this fall. Medical Debt in Missouri Speak Up MO, Health Care Access and Mental Health To learn more about the poll, visit Speak Up MO.

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