BearingPoint: Economic Downturn Impacting Healthcare Decisions

Other key findings of the study, ""Impact of the Economic Crisis on Health Care Consumers," include: 15 percent of respondents were more likely to take less medication, delay prescription refills, or not fill prescriptions as a result of the state of the economy; respondents making less than $25,000 per year reported being more likely to drop their health insurance plan to save money at rates 10 times higher than those making more than $100,000; women reported being more likely to put off necessary care for themselves or their children at twice the rate men did; and young adults, specifically between ages 18-24, were more likely than other age groups to report being inclined to drop or switch to a less expensive health care plan.

"The purpose of this survey was to understand how the financial crisis is impacting health care consumers and changing their behaviors," said John Distefano, vice president of health care payer services for BearingPoint. "While Americans are looking at many ways to curb their expenses, this survey reveals for the first time that they are considering cutting back health care services and benefits as a result of the economic conditions. And, if a portion of those considering these extreme steps actually take action, the issues we face with uninsured and underinsured Americans will only be exacerbated—there could be a real negative impact on the overall health of Americans in the year to come."