Final answer:
Underinsured adults, who spend a considerable percentage of their income on healthcare, often postpone or forgo medical treatment due to financial barriers. In 2015, over 32 million non-elderly adults in the U.S. were uninsured, increasing the likelihood of poor health outcomes. This highlights the critical need for affordable and adequate health insurance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the level at which adults delay or avoid healthcare due to cost is essential in assessing the effectiveness of health insurance coverage in the United States. The phenomenon of being underinsured is impactful, where individuals spend a significant portion of their income on healthcare costs that are not covered by insurance. This situation can lead to people, especially low-income adults, foregoing or postponing necessary medical care due to financial constraints.
In 2015, about 12.8% of the non-elderly adult population in America were uninsured, equating to over 32 million people. This lack of insurance heightens the risk of serious and chronic illnesses due to the absence of regular check-ups and preventive medicine.
The percentage of adults who are unable or reluctant to obtain healthcare services due to cost is significant and may be compounded in households that are underinsured, emphasizing the importance of affordable healthcare and adequate insurance coverage.