National Medical Expenditure Survey. Changes in Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Personal Health Services: 1977 and 1987. Research Findings 21

摘要

This report from the National Medical Expenditure Survey provides estimates of the financial burden on individuals and families of out-of-pocket expenditures for health care in 1987. Variations in out-of-pocket spending by population characteristics (age, sex, ethnic/racial background, education of family head, place of residence), insurance status, and type of medical service are examined and compared to estimates from 1977. Findings show that nearly 1 in 10 families spent 10 percent or more of their income on personal health care services in 1987. The percent of families with medical expenses amounting to 10 percent or more of family income has not changed since 1977.