Study Reveals Cost as Barrier for Over 33% of Rural Americans Seeking Necessary Medical Care

A recent study by the Commonwealth Fund revealed that over one third of Americans residing in rural areas have gone without necessary medical care due to the high costs involved. This percentage is more than twice the rate observed in six other countries that were included in the study. In comparison, less than 10 percent of rural residents in countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Sweden reported skipping medical care due to costs.

The study examined 10 other high-income countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Among these nations, rural Americans were found to be the most burdened by medical bills they struggle to pay.

According to the survey results, nearly 25 percent of rural Americans faced significant challenges in paying their medical bills or were completely unable to pay them. In contrast, less than 10 percent of rural residents in the other countries reported similar issues.

The survey highlighted that all of these 10 countries had a universal healthcare system in place, unlike the United States. The lack of health insurance among about 12 percent of the American rural population, as indicated by census data, contributed to the discrepancy between the U.S. and the other countries.

Additionally, the study revealed disparities in healthcare facilities and pharmacies between rural America and other parts of the country, which further contributed to the differences observed. It also noted that telehealth systems are more commonly used in the other countries, particularly in rural regions with limited access to such technology in the U.S.

The study concludes, “Rural Americans are more likely to face financial barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare compared to rural residents in other high-income countries. With affordability issues preventing Americans from seeking medical attention, it is not surprising that rural Americans also experience higher rates of chronic conditions and mental health issues.”

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