‘Twenty-Somethings’ Skip Doctors Visits as Medical Costs Soar [AUDIO]

Health care costs are soaring. As a result, more and more young adults between the ages of 19 and 29 are opting out of medical care.

That's according to a recent survey by Commonwealth Fund.

"Sixty percent of young adults who are uninsured had any cost-related problem accessing needed health care. That's compared to about 29 percent of young adults who were insured," said Sara Collins, author of the survey. "This included not filling a prescription, skipping a recommended medical test, not going to the doctor when sick and not getting needed specialist care."

"You see similarly high rates among insured and uninsured young adults who admitted they had problems paying their bills as a result of medical debt. 43 percent used up their savings, 33 percent took on credit card debt and 32 percent said they were unable to meet other debt obligations like student loans and the like," said Collins.

"Of those who are insured, many young adults are finding their health plans don't cover their needs especially those who have pre-existing medical conditions like asthma. Even if they get pregnant, there are about two million live births in this age group over the last year. Most health plans in the individual insurance market don't include maternity," said Collins. "So, if you have a significant health care need and you're not covered, you're going to be exposed to incredibly high costs and debt."

"Young adults are in a very challenging economic time right now, not only in terms of college loans and soaring tuition rates, they're also saddled with medical debt which is making it incredibly difficult to pay their other bills," said Collins. "If they continue to stray away from medical coverage, health care problems in this country will only continue to get worse."