Over half of the 23,460 people who responded online to a health care survey sponsored by the AFL-CIO and Working America say they cannot get the health care they need at a price they can afford, and the problem is even more acute among people who buy their own insurance, Hispanics and young adults. A third of respondents report that they forgo basic medical care because of costs, including skipping doctor recommended tests and treatments and not visiting a doctor when they are sick.
The survey, conducted from April 1 through May 31, is a rich repository of information about health care experiences, with 6,409 of the respondents taking the time to share personal stories of their experiences, creating one of the largest datasets available on health care. Respondents include a wide range of Americans, with 78 percent insured, 64 percent employed, 20 percent retired, young and old, nonunion as well as union. Survey responses were tabulated and analyzed by Hart Research. With 11 million members, the AFL-CIO is the largest organization of working men and women in the U.S. Working America is the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, representing working people who do not have a union on the jobs.
One of the most striking findings: Having health insurance does not shelter families from high health costs or difficulty getting care. Fully 43 percent of people with insurance say that are not able to get the care they need a price they can afford, and 80 percent of those with insurance say their health care costs increased this year.
The uninsured are faring worse, with 96 percent saying they cannot get affordable health care.
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