Patients' annual income adequacy, insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses related to heart failure care

ObjectivesTo (1) identify the amount patients spend for insurance premiums, co-payments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs related to HF and chronic health care services and estimate their annual non-reimbursed and out-of-pocket costs; and (2) identify patients' concerns about nonreimbursed and out-of-pocket expenses.BackgroundHF is one of the most expensive illnesses for our society with multiple health services and financial burdens for families.MethodsMixed methods with quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews.ResultsPatients (N = 149) reported annual averages for non-reimbursed health services co-payments and out-of-pocket costs ranging from $3913 to $5829 depending on insurance coverage. Thirty one patients (21%) reported inadequate health coverage related to their non-reimbursed costs.ConclusionsNon-reimbursed costs related to HF care are substantial and vary depending on their insurance, health services use, and out-of-pocket costs. Patient referral to social services to assist with expenses could provide some relief from the burden of high HF-related costs.