“For some patients, the repeated out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with treating their chronic conditions are too much financial pressure, and they are forced to choose between buying critical medication or paying for other needs like groceries or electricity. These tough choices are not new to many Americans: according to a recent WageWorks study, even working Americans with health insurance are deferring medical visits and cutting back on prescriptions to cope with rising healthcare costs. In response to higher deductibles, larger co-payments and more restrictive coverage, nearly a quarter of survey respondents who have employee-sponsored health insurance reported that they have cut back on prescription medicine. For those who fit into this category, there is a resource that may help ease the financial pain.” (06/27/07)