A recent survey suggests that many Americans have cut back on medical care spending to save money.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a voluntary organization based in Kansas City, Mo. and comprised of chief insurance regulatory officials from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories, surveyed 686 consumers in July.
The survey revealed that 22 percent of U.S. consumers say they have reduced the number of times they see the doctor as a result of today's economy.
Eleven percent of consumers say they have even cut back the number of prescription drugs they take or the dosage of those medications to make the prescription last longer.
"Delaying medical treatment and regular physicals puts consumers at risk for potential health issues - and increases overall health insurance costs," said NAIC President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger. "It's critical that consumers continue to take responsibility for their health, so that we can all benefit from healthier lives and more affordable healthcare."
The survey also found that although Americans may be cutting back in this area, the vast majority have not reduced, cancelled or otherwise made changes to their insurance policies.
In all, 85 percent of consumers have not made changes to their health insurance policy. Of those surveyed, only 5 percent of consumers reported changes to their health insurance. Of those, 2 percent reduced coverage, 1 percent fell behind on payments and 2 percent cancelled their policy.
"Insurance is an important - and oftentimes mandated - purchase for most Americans," Praeger said. "That is why the NAIC and state insurance regulators are committed to helping every American be a smarter insurance consumer."