'It's unacceptable': Half of Kansans didn't see a doctor due to health care costs

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A study from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) found the cost of healthcare overwhelming and more than 50% of Kansans have put off hospital care due to the cost.

On Sept. 3, BCBSKS published a study titled 'Rising health care costs force Kansans to postpone care'. According to the study, 51% of Kansans didn't see a doctor because of the exorbitant cost of care.

“This survey shows an immediate need for everyone in the health care community – from health plans to policymakers to hospitals – to keep costs and affordability in mind,” said Matt All, President/CEO of BCBSKS. “It's unacceptable that Kansans are delaying needed care because of cost.”

According to the study, eight out of 10 Kansans found healthcare costs, copays and bills a serious problem. BCBSKS said healthcare concerns were the second highest concern behind inflation on groceries and gas.

BCBSKS said its survey found 45% of hospital bills increased 'a lot' in the last few years. BCBSKS said the cost of hospital bills has risen faster than copays and insurance premiums. Of those who were interviewed, 39% of Kansans were 'extremely concerned' with the cost of healthcare. Costs are viewed as a bigger issue than access or quality of care.

Breaking down the costs, 45% of Kansans thought hospital bills had increased a lot, 39% thought prescription drug costs increased a lot and 28% thought premiums had increased a lot over the last two years. One in three Kansans had put off filing prescriptions because of the cost.

"These results show that Kansans are deeply concerned about the costs of health care," said Chris Anderson, Founder and President of Beacon Research. "This poll provides a real-time snapshot of how prices are impacting their decisions on whether to access care and what consumers are experiencing in our health care system statewide."

BCBSKS said it would work with healthcare partners to reduce costs and bring value to its customers. BCBSKS said it would work to improve value, hospital collaboration, ensure affordability and address prescription drug costs.

Earlier this year, the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) published a workforce report wherein they attributed a key driver in hospital expenses being increased labor costs. According to the KHA, in 2022 hospital payroll expenses rose by more than $200 million while revenue declined for the first time in seven years by $700 million.

According to the BCBSKS methodology, more than 1,000 Kansans were interviewed between June 11-21 via phone calls and through an online panel. BCBSKS said weights were used to bring the sample demographics in line with Kansas's demographics.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.