(TruthandLiberty.com) – A new Gallup poll has shown that around 38 percent of respondents are postponing paying off their medical debts because of the increased living costs. This marks a 12 percentage point increase within the past few years.
According to that same poll, 27 percent of respondents are postponing medical treatment and procedures for “very” or “somewhat” serious conditions, while 11 percent are postponing treatment for “not very” or “not at all” serious conditions.
This marks a new record in the delay of payments for medical care. Previous records were set in 2014 and 2019 when 33 percent of respondents at the time had said they were delaying paying off medical care payments.
According to the poll, those in all income groups appear to be affected. In fact, 34 percent of those in lower-income groups, 29 percent of those in middle-income groups, and 18 percent of those in upper-income groups have been postponing medical treatment for a very or somewhat serious condition.
In terms of the disparities based on age groups 35 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 49,
25 percent of those between the ages of 50 and 65 and 13 percent of those over the age of 65 have delayed treatment for a somewhat or very serious condition.
It also appears that male respondents are more likely to postpone treatment (32 percent), while only 20 percent of female respondents have delayed any treatment.
When asked about what has caused them hardship in the past year, most respondents noted inflation as the key issue faced by the country.
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