More than half (56%) of respondents to a new survey said they were somewhat or very concerned that a health situation in their household could lead to bankruptcy or debt.

That’s among the key findings in a fresh nationwide survey of U.S. adults on healthcare costs 

Key Findings

56% of U.S. adults said they were either somewhat or very concerned that a health situation in their household could lead to bankruptcy or debt.

28% of U.S. adults carry medical debt.

32% of U.S. adults have $500 or less in savings for medical bills.

Parts of the U.S. public have avoided going to the doctor or getting medical help because of cost worries.

Just under half of U.S. adults (46%) postponed healthcare services in the past year.

Of those who did, over three in ten (32%) respondents said they didn’t seek healthcare services because they couldn’t afford it.

29% didn’t feel sick enough, 16% didn’t like going to the doctor, 12% didn’t have health insurance, 11% didn’t want to get help (but realize in retrospect they were sick and should have gone), 7% didn’t have access to doctors or hospitals and 3% don’t believe in healthcare.

The lack of health insurance among the U.S. public stems partly from cost.

Of respondents who reported no health insurance (13% overall), more than half (53%) said they could not afford it.

13% each had lost their jobs and employer coverage or were self-employed, 12% said they don’t need health insurance, and 8% said their employer doesn’t offer insurance.

Another 7% were dissatisfied with their previous insurer or provider, and 6% reported they didn’t qualify for employer-sponsored insurance.