High-deductible medical plans-a key component of the
health savings accounts being espoused by some in Washington,
D.C.-could lead to
higher debt and lower-quality care for patients, according to a new
study.
The study by The Commonwealth Fund, a health policy research group,
found in a survey of 4,000 adults that about half of patients with a
high-deductible plan were facing mounting medical debts.
That compared to 31% with similar problems who had more traditional, moderately priced deductibles.
The survey also found that 38% of adults with high-deductible plans
reported experiencing one or more of four cost-related medical care
access problems, compared with 27% of those with lower-deductible plans.
"Health savings accounts coupled with high-deductible health plans have
potential pitfalls, especially for families with low incomes or
individuals with chronic health conditions, who are at greater risk of
accruing burdensome medical debts and facing barriers to needed health
care," says Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis. "The evidence is
that increased patient cost-sharing leads to under use of appropriate
care."