K Health conducted a survey of over 1,200 Texans to understand how they feel about access and affordability of healthcare in their state. 95% believe healthcare in the U.S. is too expensive, and two-thirds have been unable to see a doctor due to high costs, convenience, or unavailability.
The results were eye-opening, yet unsurprising. In 2019, The Commonwealth Fund’s annual scorecard, which ranks how states, local communities, and the nation are performing on key health system benchmarks and improvement targets, ranked Texas last in access and affordability. The 2020 report showed these indicators in Texas have been worsening over the last 5 years.
K Health’s survey showed 40% of people felt the cost of their healthcare medications or treatments were too expensive, and 41% thought seeing a doctor is too expensive. 56% of people have spent more than $500 on medical bills in the past year, with 23% still owing money.
While 50% of Texans have employer-sponsored health insurance, 43% of participants would change jobs if it meant getting access to better insurance.
Unlike traditional healthcare providers, Texans don’t need insurance nor an appointment to get treatment and care from K Health. A one-time visit is $73, and a membership, which includes unlimited 24/7 access to doctors, is $49/month.
Check out the findings below, broken down by gender:
More results below…
Medical Expenses in Texas are Through the Roof
In the past year:
87% of people have spent money on medical expenses
56% have spent more than $500
8% have spent $5,000 or more
23% owe money in medical bills
28% have negotiated the cost of medical bills
28% didn’t know the cost of medical bills can be negotiated
Costs and Wait Times Prevent Texans from Getting Care
60% have experienced wanting to see a doctor, but were unable to due to high costs, convenience or unavailability
95% agree that healthcare in the U.S. is too expensive
40% said the cost of seeing a doctor is too expensive
41% said the cost of treatment and medication is too expensive
22% said wait times for an appointment are too long
Texans Need Better Health Insurance
Only 50% of Texans have employer-sponsored health insurance
17% are uninsured
44% said they would switch jobs if they could get better health insurance
Low Trust in the Healthcare System
33% have less trust in the healthcare system after COVID
15% said they don’t plan to have their children vaccinated for COVID