Massachusetts residents delay services due to high healthcare costs

High healthcare costs are burdening Massachusetts residents, with many delaying care due to prices, according to a survey from Beacon Research commissioned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross).

Between February 28 and March 6, 1,000 Massachusetts adults were interviewed via telephone or online about the healthcare issues they were facing.

“These findings underscore what we know and hear from our members on a regular basis,” Sarah Iselin, president and CEO of Blue Cross, said in a press release.

“Residents are struggling with health care costs, causing them to put off care and make tough decisions. This is deeply concerning in a state committed to health care access and, without action, could lead to health implications statewide. This poll underscores the urgent need for our health care community to work together on managing costs and ensuring affordable options for residents, businesses, and state government.”

Nearly 70 percent of respondents are extremely (36 percent) or very (32 percent) concerned about the cost of healthcare. Healthcare costs ranked third in resident concerns, behind the cost of housing (81 percent) and inflation and the rising cost of living (78 percent).

Three-quarters of adults said the cost of health insurance co-pays or bills after receiving healthcare were major (39 percent) or minor (36 percent) problems—up 12 percent from 2022. Monthly health insurance premiums were a major or minor problem for 68 percent, and 67 percent said prescription drug costs were a problem.

When asked about healthcare issues alone, the cost of care (51 percent) was the top concern for residents, followed by access to healthcare (19 percent), quality (18 percent), and equity (9 percent). Over a quarter (26 percent) of adults reported occasionally delaying care due to costs, while 14 percent regularly put off care. Residents under 45 and those with incomes below $50,000 were more likely to go without care because of the costs.

As healthcare costs rise, residents are seeing the biggest increase in hospital bills, with 39 percent saying they grew significantly over the past few years. A third of respondents said they’ve noticed an increase in prescription drugs, while 27 percent noted raises in their monthly health insurance premiums.

Half of adults who received care at an emergency room reported unreasonable waiting times. Six in ten respondents waited two hours or more, with almost 30 percent waiting between four and twelve hours.

According to the press release, Blue Cross is working with healthcare stakeholders to help curb healthcare spending growth. For example, the payer is collaborating with hospitals and physicians to reach contracts that protect consumers from unsustainable price increases.

In addition, the payer is streamlining prior authorization requirements, addressing prescription drug costs, and improving access to affordable primary and mental healthcare services. Blue Cross spends more than 90 cents of every premium dollar directly on medical care and prescription drugs and less than 10 cents on administrative costs, the payer said.