Health bills a burden

More than half of California’s voters have difficulty paying for health care, a poll finds.

A Field Poll funded by the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) surveyed 997 registered voters between June 21 and July 2, finding 53 percent of respondents had difficulty paying their medical bills, a nearly identical figure compared to a similar poll conducted in 2007, according to SFGate.com. 17 percent of respondents 65 or older said they had difficulty paying for health care, compared to 31 percent in 2007.

Slightly less than half of those polled reported forgoing a medical procedure due to cost. “This shows that people are not just having difficulty paying, but that it’s affecting their health-seeking behavior. They are delaying care they need,” said Chris Perrone, CHCF deputy director.