Don't let a co-pay get in your way
Researchers have found that when Medicare patients, asked to pay $10 to $20 toward their mammogram screening, 8 percent of them declined to have the screening done at all.
But due to multiple factors—and a lot of fiscal and "treatment" irresponsibility— more and more patients are surprised to learn they have to fork out a co-pay for the first time, or that the one they've had has doubled. Insurers are probably hoping that you'll think twice before going to your doctor as often, and that you'll keep their costs down. The sad fact is this thinking has led to some people declining life-saving screenings.
Overall, there was a 5.5 percent drop in screenings for plans that had added co- pays during the length of the study, while screenings rose by 3.4 percent in plans not requiring a co-pay.
I know a good number of people who struggle just to find 10 extra dollars in their budgets—even for something as important as cancer screening. If people are going to decide to forego mammograms, for example, out-of-pocket costs should be a factor.
The lead researcher is recommending that insurance plans get rid of co-pays altogether when it comes to screenings, but economics will win out in the end.
On the other side of the coin, it amazes me that many people think nothing about dropping $10 per week on a couple of dessert-style coffees or a bag of drive-thru burgers and fries, but balk at the thought of spending any money on their health.
It's one thing if you literally can't afford it. If that's the case, look for community awareness screenings near you, offered through health clinics and fairs on occasion. Also, take a jar and drop in loose change every chance you get. It's amazing how quickly $10 can add up, and there's your emergency co-pay.
