As food and fuel prices skyrocket and the economy continues to take its toll on the American pocketbook, some people are cutting back in the wrong places – they're cutting back on medical care to save a few dollars, according to recent research by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Based on a national survey of 686 consumers conducted in July, 22 percent of those who responded said today's economy has affected the frequency of their visits to the doctor. And of those polled, 11 percent said they have cut back on the number of prescription drugs they take or the dosage to make the prescription last longer.
Despite those findings, 85 percent of consumers have not made changes to their health insurance policy. Five percent, however said there has been a change in coverage. Of the 5 percent, 2 percent said they reduced their coverage, 1 percent fell behind on payments, and 2 percent cancelled their policies.
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Written by Jenny Cromie, certified human resources specialist (CHRS)