Status: Getting worse
Most Recent Data:
8.7
percent
(2018)
Target:
3.3 percent
Desired Direction:
Decrease desired
Baseline:
4.1 percent of persons were unable to obtain or delayed in obtaining necessary medical care in 2017
Reduce the proportion of persons who are unable to obtain or delayed in obtaining necessary medical care
Data Source: Medical Expenditure Panel (MEPS), AHRQ
Summary
Delaying medical care can negatively impact health and increase the cost of care. People who can’t get the care they need may have more preventable complications, hospitalizations, emotional stress, and higher costs. Strategies to increase insurance coverage rates and improve health information technology may help reduce delays in care.
Workgroup: Access to Health Services Workgroup