Nearly Half of Americans Delayed Medical Care Due to Pandemic

Kaiser Health News cites a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation in reporting that 48 percent of Americans said they or a family member have delayed or skipped medical care because of the pandemic. Furthermore, 11 percent of respondents said the person's condition worsened as a result of the delayed care. Nearly seven in 10 of those who opted not to see a medical professional expect to obtain care in the next three months. Meanwhile, nearly 40 percent of respondents said stress has adversely affected their mental health. Women were more likely than men to say the pandemic had a negative effect on their mental health, and those living in urban and suburban areas were more likely to say this than those living in rural areas. The poll also found that about three in 10 adults had trouble paying household expenses, with 11 percent having trouble paying medical bills.