The New Yorks Times recently reported that even individuals with health insurance coverage are being strained by increasing premiums, deductibles and copays.  Millions of Americans are struggling to pay their medical bills and are delaying care in order to deal with escalating costs and the economic slowdown.

As the prices of basic necessities like food and gasoline rise, patients are foregoing routine doctors visits because they have become increasingly burdened with rising premiums and cost-sharing.  As employers struggle to offer health coverage, they are often forced to shift some of the burden to their employees.  As the article discusses, some parents are waiting to bring their children to the doctor's office for fevers and diabetes patients may not regularly monitor their blood sugar because of the cost of the supplies.

With the weakened economy, workers are being forced to accept reduced benefits.  In addition, some employers and consumers are favoring "consumer-driven health plans" which often force patients to assume a bigger share of overall medical costs.

Read More