Poll: Two out of three N.C. families say it’s difficult to afford health care

As North Carolina prepares to roll out a program aimed at easing the burden of medical debt, a new survey from four universities reveals that many N.C. families are feeling the strain of rising health care costs. The survey of 601 adults from across the state shows that nearly two-thirds (61 percent) find it somewhat or very difficult to afford health care costs, with about 1 in 5 describing it as “very difficult.” 

The survey also found:

• Almost three out of four North Carolinians are worried about being able to afford a surprise medical bill, with 36 percent saying they were “very concerned.”
• Nearly one in three respondents (32 percent) said they have had to put health care costs on a credit card because they couldn’t afford to pay the bill outright.

Read more on North Carolina Health News.