A recent study conducted by Parsley Health found that 80% of women were delaying medical care due to time constraints, concerns of being dismissed by doctors, and financial burdens. This was further supported by a Deloitte consumer survey which revealed that one in five women avoided seeing a doctor when sick because of the cost involved. The survey also highlighted gender-based pricing discrepancies, with women paying $15.4 billion more in out-of-pocket healthcare costs annually, despite not including charges related to pregnancy. This disparity is attributed to the fact that women use health care services differently than men, resulting in lower value for their healthcare dollars.
One major area where spending gaps exist is in breast cancer screenings. While initial preventive screenings are covered, additional tests often require additional out-of-pocket costs. This causes costs to increase significantly for women who require further diagnostic tests following an initial abnormal mammogram. Dr. Gebreyes suggests that insurance costs should be designed with women’s biological and physiological needs in mind, offering a flat fee for care episodes rather than individual co-pays for each test or procedure. Employers are encouraged to reevaluate their benefits packages to lower the cost sharing of services that women use more frequently, in order to address these disparities.
Deloitte’s report recommended that employers consider the value of the care women are receiving and adjust benefit designs accordingly. Meanwhile, Parsley Health is partnering with major employers to make its holistic-care model more accessible. Dr. Berzin emphasizes the importance of proactive health care, stating that the system should encourage early intervention rather than waiting until a health issue becomes severe. In light of these findings, it is crucial for women to take charge of their health by seeking care when needed and evaluating the coverage of that care.
The issue of time poverty, along with concerns of being dismissed by doctors and the high costs associated with healthcare, are leading factors causing women to delay medical care. Deloitte’s research highlights how women are paying more for health care services while receiving less value due to gender-based pricing discrepancies. To address these disparities, employers are encouraged to reevaluate benefit designs and lower the cost sharing of services that women use more frequently. Dr. Gebreyes suggests a new approach to insurance costs that takes into account women’s unique healthcare needs, offering a streamlined fee structure for care episodes. It is essential for women to be proactive about their health and advocate for more accessible and equitable healthcare coverage.
