Lack of price transparency still keeping many from seeking health care

Younger individuals are more likely than older respondents to avoid care because of price uncertainty, but are also more likely to use their health plan website to obtain cost estimates.

Inability to pay for health care has been a major driver for many to avoid the health care system, but simply not being sure if a service is affordable is enough of a deterrent for many Americans. According to new research by HealthSparq, a health data company, as much as 44% of people may be deterred from obtaining health care services because of price uncertainty.

The research was based on a survey done in January of 2022, which chronicled 1,006 individuals across the United States. Focusing solely on insured individuals, the survey asked respondents about their awareness and use of health insurance price transparency tools, such as websites where clients can find in-network doctors and learn about estimated procedure costs. Some 70% of respondents reported being aware of health care transparency tools offered by their health insurance plan, compared to only 49% of respondents in 2021.