9 Takeaways From The Physicians Foundation 2019 Survey

Two of three respondents say rising healthcare costs are due to cost of prescription drugs, and 49% point to hospital costs.

Three quarters of respondents to a recent survey say they're concerned about their ability to pay for medical treatment if they get sick or injured, according The Physicians Foundation.

"The high cost of healthcare looms over patients," the survey said. "The rise of what they must pay for medical care is causing significant financial concern."

Overall, the survey said,  healthcare costs — including all private and public spending — will rise by about 5.5% per year over the next decade, with healthcare spending growing faster than the economy. More than 50% of people say they can afford only $1,000 or less before they'd have financial issues.

Here's a rundown of the top takeaways from The Physicians Foundation survey:

• 73% of people are concerned about their ability to pay for medical treatment if they were to get sick or injured. Half say they feel they are one sickness away from being in serious financial trouble, and 42% said they could afford $500 or less before they would have financial issues.
   
• 84% are concerned about how much healthcare costs will affect them in the future.
   
• 86% say cost and 72% say waiting for insurance pre-approvals negatively impact care.
   
• 22% don't know what single payer healthcare means at all, and 77% cannot agree on one definition.
   
• 55% are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who advocates for expanding private insurance reforms.
   
• 62% say rising healthcare costs are due to cost of prescription drugs, and 49% point to hospital costs.
   
• 35% know someone who has abused or is addicted to opioids, and 21% know someone who has died because of opioid use.
   
• 60% believe rehabilitation is an essential healthcare service, and 45% believe care for substance abuse is essential.