Columbus, Ohio – Over 2 million Ohio residents struggle to access affordable healthcare, with many families spending a significant portion of their household income on out-of-pocket medical costs. Despite an improvement in insurance coverage over the past decade, a report by the nonpartisan Health Policy Institute of Ohio revealed that 1 in 5 Ohioans faced financial burdens due to healthcare expenses in 2021.
The study compared Ohio’s health outcomes and healthcare spending to other states, ranking Ohio 44th in the nation in terms of health value. This indicates that Ohioans are spending more on healthcare but experiencing poorer health overall. Amy Rohling McGee, president of the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, pointed out that the state is not receiving good value for the amount spent on healthcare.
One factor contributing to Ohio’s high healthcare costs is an alarming rate of preventable emergency department visits. The report highlighted that even individuals with employer-based insurance were opting for costly emergency room visits instead of seeking care from primary care providers or urgent care centers. This trend suggests that some Ohioans may be delaying necessary medical attention until their conditions worsen, leading to more expensive treatments.
McGee emphasized the importance of access to primary care services in preventing costly emergency room visits. While the Affordable Care Act has made preventive services more accessible, barriers such as distance to healthcare facilities or provider shortages remain significant challenges in many Ohio counties. More than 40 counties in Ohio are facing shortages of healthcare professionals, particularly in northeast Ohio.
Addressing the issue of preventable emergency room visits is crucial not only due to the high costs involved but also because of the strain it places on emergency departments that are designed for urgent, life-threatening situations. McGee suggested that improving access to primary care and expanding healthcare services in underserved areas could lead to better health outcomes and lower overall healthcare spending in the state.