21% of Americans put off a Drs visit because of money

[brasty]

I have just been reading research into the finances of US citizens. It is a massive piece of research, with few surprises. But I was surprised at how many people said they had put off a Drs visit because of money. Either because they had no insurance to cover it, or could not afford the co pay.
Now some of these visits would have been for routine things that were fine to put off. But some may have been for early indicators of illnesses such as cancer, and putting off a visit may have major consequences.

I don't visit my dentist because it's too expensive. My teeth are rotting but I can't even afford a check up (I'm a single mum- no job).

If the NHS is privatised that's me dead.

It's £50ish here if you're not on certain benefits. It's pretty quick and easy to get an appointment, never been unable to get a same day appointment. It does mean though that you get people putting off appointments for fairly important things. I had a friend in bits because she didn't have the money to pay for her appointment for a prescription renewal as she didn't get paid when she was supposed to.

it's sad but healthcare does cost something and the sad fact of life is that what would you pay for what?

There is an interesting Lionel Shriver book worth a read and it basically comes down to (from memory) is one year of extended life
worth $100 000 000 which is what the family have to pay to extend the life of the fictional author? and is it? would you sell your house to afford care etc.

No I would not sell my house for 1 year of care. Where would my kids live? I would have made myself intentionally homeless.