Study shows medical debt linked to delayed mental health care for individuals with mood disorders.
- Medical debt is more common among people with depression and anxiety, leading to delays or avoidance of mental health care.
- A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that about 27% of adults with depression and 26% with anxiety have medical debt compared to about 9% without mood disorders.
- People with medical debt were more likely to delay or forgo mental health care, with about 37-38% of those with depression and anxiety falling into this category.
- Having insurance coverage did not protect against medical debt affecting mental health care access, as about 29% of insured individuals still delayed or avoided care due to cost concerns.
- Health systems need to ensure that care is affordable to address the impact of medical debt on mental health treatment.
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Psychiatry & Mental Health, Public Health & Prevention