The cost of not getting care: income disparities in the affordability of health services across high-income countries

Abstract This presentation will present findings from the Commonwealth Fund 2023 International Health Policy Survey of the General Population, focusing on financial barriers in accessing healthcare among adults across 10 countries. It highlights significant income-related disparities in healthcare affordability, particularly in the United States, where nearly a quarter of the population lacks affordable access to care. While disparities exist in other countries, Germany and the Netherlands demonstrate lower rates of affordability issues and income disparities, possibly due to their universal health coverage models and cost-sharing caps based on income levels. These countries also prioritize mental health and dental care within their public health plans. The analysis emphasizes the critical need for affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage to ensure equitable health outcomes. It suggests that policies such as cost-sharing caps and income-based subsidies could mitigate financial barriers to care, drawing insights from successful models in Germany and the Netherlands. Ultimately, addressing affordability is vital for achieving health equity and improving overall population health.