The Parsley survey revealed that 80% of women are delaying medical care primarily due to time constraints, feeling dismissed by doctors, and cost concerns. A Deloitte consumer survey further supported these findings, with women reporting that cost was a major factor in not seeking medical care. Additionally, research highlighted gender-based pricing discrepancies, with women paying significantly more out-of-pocket for healthcare services, even excluding pregnancy-related costs. Dr. Kulleni Gebreyes from Deloitte emphasized that women often pay the same premiums as men but receive less value due to requiring more services like radiology, therapy, emergency care, and mental health services.
One specific area where women face financial disparities is in breast cancer screenings. While initial preventive screenings are covered, additional tests can result in skyrocketing costs for women with abnormal results. Dr. Gebreyes suggested that insurance costs should be tailored to women’s biological and physiological needs to provide more cost-effective care. Deloitte recommended that employers reevaluate their benefits to lower cost sharing for services used more frequently by women, and Parsley Health is working to make its holistic-care model more accessible to major employers in an effort to close some of these gaps.
Dr. Berzin from Parsley Health expressed the importance of being proactive about healthcare and challenging the notion that one should only seek medical care when severely ill. She stressed the need for the healthcare system to prioritize preventive care. Women are urged to be proactive in seeking care when needed and ensuring that their healthcare coverage meets their needs. The burden is placed on women to advocate for themselves and evaluate how their care is covered, given the current limitations in the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the gender disparities in healthcare costs and access highlight the need for systemic changes to provide more equitable care for women. Deloitte’s research and recommendations point towards the importance of reevaluating how insurance costs are structured to better meet women’s healthcare needs. As women continue to face financial barriers and gaps in coverage, it is crucial for both healthcare providers and employers to take action to address these disparities and ensure that women have equal access to quality care. Women must also take an active role in advocating for their health and understanding their healthcare coverage to navigate the current challenges in the system.
