American Healthcare Costs & Access To Services Are Top Concerns Among Hispanics.

Hispanics are more worried than ever about the costs of healthcare and the availability of healthcare services available in America, cites a new national survey released from Ve Directo, a consumer services marketing company. More than half of the respondents admitted that they have delayed doctor’s appointments because of healthcare costs.

Nearly half of survey respondents ranked healthcare expenses as the most difficult to pay and the most unpredictable expense, ranking it side-by-side with the headache of trying to pay their rent. In addition, more than half believe that in America, Spanish speakers get less access to healthcare. While affording healthcare costs weighed more heavily on the minds of women (44 percent), worrying about the unpredictability of healthcare expenses was almost an even split between males and females (46 percent male and 43 percent female).

“This is a crisis,” says Tom Bernthal, president of Kelton Research, the firm that conducted the survey for Ve Directo. “Given all of the stresses on young parents — rent, food, clothing — that more than half of Hispanic parents place health care as their top financial worry is of great concern.” “The most unfortunate fact here is that when health care is unaffordable, it becomes inaccessible. And when you realize that these percentages of Hispanics who pass up doctors and medicine due to financial pressures are actually families and children in need of care, it’s heart breaking,” Bernthal
said.

One new program, Ahorros Saludables, bridges the gap for Hispanics who are uninsured or underinsured, providing discounts on prescription drugs and heath care products and services with an annual membership program.

Key findings of the Hispanic Healthcare survey included:

The most difficult expenses to pay for:
* Health and medical care — 42 percent
* Rent — 42 percent
* Food and groceries — 4 percent
* Clothing — 3 percent

The most unpredictable expenses:
* Healthcare — 44 percent
* Rent — 31 percent
* Food and groceries — 12 percent
* Clothing — 6 percent

Put off seeing a doctor, dentist or medical professional because of the
cost:
* Yes, frequently — 24 percent
* Yes, at least a few times — 20 percent
* Yes, but only once or twice — 12 percent
* No — 43 percent

Access to healthcare in America for Spanish speakers vs. English speakers:
* Less access to healthcare — 61 percent
* Equal access to healthcare — 27 percent
* More access to healthcare — 6 percent

For more information at http://www.ahorrossaludables.com