Out-of-Pocket Costs and Health-Related Social Needs Among Households With Children
-
By
-
Michael Caniglia
-
Laura J. Chavez
-
June 3, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Financial Burdens and Health-Related Social Requirements in Families with Children
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | |
| Key Mechanisms | Rising medical costs and declining incomes impact households' ability to meet health-related social needs (HRSNs). |
| Target Population | |
| Care Setting | |
Key Highlights
- Approximately 4% of US households with children spend 10% or more of their income on out-of-pocket medical costs.
- Households can experience financial burden due to high medical costs and loss of income from illness.
- Medical debt correlates with difficulties in meeting HRSNs, but high out-of-pocket costs can also hinder access to necessities.
- The study utilized longitudinal data to assess the relationship between medical financial burden and HRSNs.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify households experiencing high out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Management
- Consider financial counseling and support services for families facing medical financial burdens.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly evaluate household income and medical expenses.
Risks
- Increased risk of food insecurity and difficulty paying bills among households with high medical costs.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Households with children experiencing medical financial burdens.
Out-of-pocket medical spending impacts the ability to afford healthy food and safe housing.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize comprehensive assessments of household income and expenses.
- Implement strategies to reduce out-of-pocket costs for families with children.
Related Resources & Content
