By: Shannon Sparks
A new study by Curative Insurance Company and the Health Analytics and Insights Group reveals a healthcare affordability crisis in Georgia, where 69% of insured employees and families are forced to deplete savings, cut essential expenses, or accumulate debt to cover medical costs. The findings highlight the severe financial strain of high-deductible health plans and rising out-of-pocket expenses, leaving many Georgians delaying or forgoing necessary care. Curative’s innovative $0 deductible, $0 copay health insurance model aims to address these challenges, offering an alternative to traditional employer-sponsored plans.
The study shows that 69% of Georgian employees and families with health insurance are depleting savings, cutting essential expenses, or increasing credit card debt to pay for health care.
Today, Curative Insurance Company, a leader in innovative health insurance solutions, released, in collaboration with the Health Analytics and Insights Group, results from an eye-opening new survey* revealing critical problems for Georgians with employer-sponsored health insurance. Approximately 55% of Georgia’s population receives health insurance benefits through their employer. A study of 500 adults in the Atlanta metropolitan area highlighted some concerning trends, with 41% of working Georgians reporting delays in seeking healthcare and 50% choosing not to pick up prescribed medications due to high out-of-pocket costs, despite having health coverage through their workplace.
Many Georgia employees can’t afford the care and medicine they need, forcing them to avoid or defer care. Over time, this often results in more severe health issues, ultimately driving up the cost of care and employers’ health benefit costs. This vicious cycle has only worsened as out-of-pocket expenses for health insurance have continued to increase. This also impacts long-term productivity, as 45% of employees surveyed said they take time off work to address health issues, including related administrative burdens.
“These findings are deeply concerning,” said Fred Turner, CEO and Co-founder of Curative. “Workers and their families must choose between their health and financial stability. It’s clear that the current employer-based health insurance model is failing.”
With Georgia businesses facing sharp increases in health insurance premiums year over year, many employers have opted for High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) to keep overall costs down for their companies. However, these plans come at a steep price for employees. Specifically, 47% of survey participants said their deductible is so high that it feels like they are paying out-of-pocket for most of their healthcare needs. The research also revealed that 69% of covered Georgians resort to desperate measures to cover healthcare costs, including depleting savings, cutting essential expenses, and increasing credit card debt. The rate in Georgia is substantially higher than the national average of 55%.
“When nearly 7 out of 10 of Georgians with health insurance are struggling to pay for basic healthcare, we’re looking at a public health crisis,” said Dr. Brandon Charles, Chief Medical Officer at Curative. “This financial strain inevitably leads to delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and ultimately increased overall cost of care.”
Highlights from the survey also show Georgians struggle more compared to national averages with access, affordability, and the ability to navigate their insurance:
- 58% of Georgians with employer-based health insurance find out-of-pocket costs to be expensive or more than they could afford if a significant medical event occurred or if they were diagnosed with a chronic illness (compared to 41% nationally).
- 51% of Georgians dissatisfied with their insurance plans say they cannot afford their out-of-pocket costs (compared to 36% nationally).
- 41% of Georgians say they have deferred or delayed medical care in the past 12 months because they were worried about paying for it. (compared to 35% nationally)
The findings underscore the urgent need for alternative solutions to the legacy healthcare models currently offered to Georgia employees. Curative’s recent expansion into the state is pivotal in addressing the healthcare affordability crisis. The company’s innovative approach aims to address many of the issues highlighted in the survey.
As a new health insurance model designed to remove financial barriers to care, Curative’s employer-sponsored health plan offers a groundbreaking $0 copay, $0 deductible, alternative to the traditional high-cost, high-deductible insurance plans. Like the Netflix business model, Curative offers a subscription-style health benefits plan through an affordable monthly premium that covers the cost of care and pharmaceutical medications without any additional out-of-pocket burden for members. This approach helps members have precise, predictable costs and access the care and medicines they need without fear of affordability or financial stress.
By focusing on affordability, early intervention, and engagement, Curative is poised to substantially impact healthcare outcomes and long-term cost reduction for Georgia businesses and their employees.
*To download a report on the survey or learn more about Curative’s transformative health insurance plan and how it can benefit employers and employees alike, visit https://curative.com/. Information on previous Curative studies conducted in Texas and Florida can be found here and here.
**https://usafacts.org/topics/health/state/georgia/
***Every Curative member qualifies for the $0 deductible, $0 copay for in-network care and preferred prescriptions by completing a Baseline Visit within 120 days of the plan effective date. See https://curative.com to learn more. Curative Insurance Company PPO.
ABOUT CURATIVE
Curative is creating the future of health insurance with its first-of-a-kind employer-based plan, boasting an impressive AM Best rating of A-. Our mission is to transform health insurance by eliminating financial barriers to care and guiding our members at every step of their health journey. With a competitive monthly premium and zero additional costs*, Curative provides employers and their employees exceptional value, improved health, and peace of mind. Leveraging our experience from leading the national COVID-19 testing effort, Curative is now redefining health insurance through affordability, engagement, and simplicity. For more information on Curative, visit https://curative.com/ or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
Disclaimer: The findings presented in this article are based on a survey conducted by Curative Insurance Company and the Health Analytics and Insights Group. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals or financial advisors for personalized guidance regarding healthcare decisions and insurance options. The $0 deductible, $0 copay health plan described may have specific eligibility requirements and limitations; please visit Curative’s website for detailed terms and conditions.
Published by Mark V.
