WASHINGTON, Apr 29, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Kaiser Family Foundation poll
released Tuesday said many U.S. residents have suffered financial consequences
due to healthcare costs.
In a survey of 2,003 adults conducted April 3-13, 37 percent of respondents
indicated they had suffered financial troubles over the past five years due to
medical bills.
Twenty percent of respondents indicated they had trouble paying bills. Twenty
percent indicated a collection agency had contacted them.
Others indicated using much of their savings (17 percent) and trouble paying for
heat, food or housing (12 percent).
Ten percent indicated they had borrowed money and 3 percent indicated they had
declared bankruptcy.
"Many people view health and the economy as separate issues but the cost of
healthcare is a significant pocketbook issue for many families," Kaiser
President and Chief Executive Officer Drew Altman said.
The poll carried a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International