Some are choosing not to go to the doctor to save money, while risking their health at the
same time.
Northern Illinois University associate economics professor Virginia Wilcox-Gok said the high unemployment rate is one reason why some people are avoiding the doctor’s office.
“There’s a higher population of those that are unemployed who don’t have health insurance and have to pay out of their own pocket,” Wilcox-Gok said. “And with a reduced income, people can’t afford medical services like before, thanks to losing their jobs.”
Karen Grush, DeKalb County Health Department administrator, said she thinks being unemployed makes less-frequent trips to the doctor understandable.
“When a person loses their job or can’t find one, health care is something that people will do without,” Grush said.
Grush also said more people are canceling their doctor appointments to save money.
“More cancellations are occurring with appointments lately,” Grush said. “If a person feels that they aren’t that sick, they cancel their appointment to save on money.”
Wilcox-Gok said those who have health insurance are paying a lot for it.
“People who have health insurance have larger co-pays,” she said. “And what they are paying is pretty steep, causing them to not go to the doctor.”
University of Northern Illinois psychology senior Chuck Bessler said he thinks people might be going to the doctor less because of rising prices, including medical expenses.
“Going to the doctor less is a way for people to save money,” he said.
Wilcox-Gok said that while people are saving money they are risking their health.
“They want to avoid the medical expenses and give up taking care of their health to do so,” she said.
She said the federal government is working to help the unemployed by trying to give them extra money.
“The federal government is talking about expanding unemployment insurance in an effort to help people have more money available,” Wilcox-Gok said. “And having more money could help people afford medical expenses.”
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