Why Women Face Higher Out-of-Pocket Health Expenses

Financial AdviceNovember 18, 2023

In healthcare, disparities persist, and a recent report from Deloitte underscores a significant financial gap between working women and men in the United States. Even after excluding maternity care costs, women are shouldering a notably higher burden when it comes to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

This revelation affects their finances and could potentially impact their overall well-being. In this article, we delve into the details of this eye-opening study, exploring the reasons behind the gender disparity and potential solutions.

Elevate Digital/ Pexels | Working women in the U.S. spend an average of $266 more per year out of pocket on health care costs

The Financial Strain on Working Women

The Deloitte report reveals a startling truth: working women in the U.S. spend, on average, $266 more annually on out-of-pocket healthcare costs compared to their male counterparts. This gender-driven imbalance accumulates to a staggering $15.4 billion in additional expenses for women collectively.

Beyond Maternity Care

Surprisingly, the gender healthcare cost divide persists even when maternity expenses are excluded. Women between the ages of 19 and 64 continue to spend more on healthcare compared to men within the same age group. This finding sheds light on the broader healthcare inequalities that women face, extending far beyond pregnancy-related expenses.

Kulleni Gebreyes, the Chief Health Equity Officer at Deloitte, emphasizes the repercussions of this financial burden, stating, “Our analysis highlights a hidden financial burden on women that can impact not only their pocketbook but potentially their health.

ThisIsEngineering/ Pexels | The financial strain on working women in the U.S. is significant

Financial stressors can lead to health problems and delays in care, further perpetuating a cycle of preventable healthcare consumption, thus compounding expenses. As leaders in business, healthcare, and society, we have an opportunity to make intentional efforts to close this gap.”

The Complex Nature of Healthcare Costs

While it is true that employers are required to offer healthcare coverage to men and women at equal rates, it is crucial to understand that healthcare expenses encompass more than just premiums. The Deloitte report delves deeper into the issue, suggesting that employers could bridge the gender gap by increasing benefits for women by an additional $12 per month.

Andy Davis, Principal of the Healthcare Practice at Deloitte, highlights the necessity of addressing this issue: “Our healthcare system has done a great job driving equity for access, from the ACA making pregnancy an essential health benefit to rules around mental health parity.

Kristina Paukshtite/ Pexels | Women’s health is not a privilege; it’s a necessity

Equity in benefits is the next challenge because benefits should be designed to support every person. Women’s care needs are different than men’s, and healthcare insurers and employers have an opportunity to examine and redesign benefit coverage to reduce the financial burden on women, close the benefits gap, and advance health and well-being for everyone.”

The Gender Gap in Coverage

In 2022, KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) released findings indicating that women were more likely to experience healthcare coverage gaps than men. These gaps seriously affect women’s access to necessary care and medication.

According to the report, 31% of women reported that their healthcare plans did not cover services they believed were included, compared to 26% of men. Moreover, 29% of women expressed concerns that their plans would not cover prescription medication, starkly contrasting to the 21% of men who shared the same worry.