Health Care Cost and Access Challenges Persist

Originally published by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC), 2007.

Health Care Cost and Access Challenges Continue to Mount

Health care cost and access challenges continued to persist and, in some cases, intensify across American communities, according to HSC research. Health care costs remained on an upward trajectory that substantially outpaced growth in the overall economy and in workers' earnings. Employers continued to shift more costs to workers, and the number of uninsured Americans remained stubbornly high despite a period of economic growth.

Access to care was becoming more difficult for many Americans, even those with insurance, as rising out-of-pocket costs led more people to delay or forgo needed medical services. The growing use of high-deductible health plans, while helping to moderate premium growth, was creating financial barriers for patients who needed care but had not yet met their deductibles. Primary care physician shortages were emerging in many communities, making it harder for patients to establish relationships with regular providers and contributing to increased use of emergency departments for routine care.

Sources and Further Reading

Center for Studying Health System Change, "Health Care Cost and Access Challenges Persist" (2007).