Care avoidance is when an individual ignores symptoms that can be a sign of a serious Illness instead of seeking medical intervention. This is something many people fall victim to. Sometimes there are issues such as a simple cold we can sooth with some cough syrup or a little scrape that we can just cover with a band-aid, but there are times when you may find a lump under the skin, assume it’s a simple cyst and ignore it when it could very well be a tumor. Tests are expensive and you may have a high deductible that seems impossible to reach.
“38% of Americans, or one of their immediate family members, postponed medical treatment in the year 2022†[2]. There are so many reasons that can hinder a person from seeking medical intervention: – Fear of death, trauma, or even just afraid of needles but we all know the number one reason for most care avoidance within our growing economy: – the fear of expensive costs. The cost of healthcare has escalated extremely over the past years.
“Since the end of 2007, healthcare prices have grown 21.6%, while prices in the general economy (measured by the GDP deflator) have grown 17.3%.†[1], proving that the growth of healthcare costs has surpassed the growth of the general economy’s inflation rate. We all have probably felt the change throughout the year but it’s even more shocking when faced with the facts.
Here are a few tips to help you navigate your healthcare so you and your family can have peace of mind and combat care avoidance.
The basic rule of a healthy diet is the key rule here. No need to follow detailed diets that restrict the foods you eat and feed your family but incorporating more fruits and vegetables goes a long way.
Utilizing preventative care can make a difference in your health journey. Checkups, where you can be screened for cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as screenings for certain diseases such as cancer, can make a life-changing difference. With most major medical health coverages, preventative care can be covered at 100% which is an awesome way to save on your out-of-pocket costs.
Supplemental policies through companies like Assurity or Aflac have great coverage for singles and families. With supplemental coverage, you can be paid cash directly which can assist you with your out-of-pocket costs and income loss due to illnesses and accidental injuries. Another great benefit is that there are some policies that may also have annual wellness benefits, so you are basically paid to go do your annual checkup.
This tip might be a bit controversial but it’s best to be informed about your options. Healthcare can cost differently in some states as well as the benefits provided by your insurance. Bear in mind that this can also mean that the level of care is different as well due to certain laws that may be put in place. Many families choose to move to a state where a child or another family member can get a certain level of care or treatment that may not be as easily accessible in the state where they currently reside. Doing detailed research is important and it may change your life.
There you have it; we hope these tips help you navigate the changing economy and its effects on your healthcare.
Sources
- Gallup. “Record High in U.S. Put Off Medical Care Due to Cost in 2022.” Published 01.17.23. Accessed 03.06.23.
- “How have healthcare prices grown in the U.S. over time? – Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.” https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/how-have-healthcare-prices-grown-in-the-u-s-over-time/, Accessed 1 Jan. 1970.https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/how-have-healthcare-prices-grown-in-the-u-s-over-time/
