Study: Insured adults’ out-of-pocket health care spending rises

Insured adults spent an average of $729 out-of-pocket on health care, 34% more than in 2004, according to a study published online June 2 by Health Affairs. In addition, the number of underinsured individuals (adults with insurance who spent 5%-10% or more of their income on out-of-pocket medical expenses, or whose deductible equaled 5% or more of their annual family income) increased over the same period. The study’s authors concluded that the increase in out-of-pocket spending is mostly due to growth in overall health spending.