This report presents results from survey by the Center for Studying Health System Change that examines medical and health burdens of chronic conditions, including depression. The report notes that, in 2007, 30 percent of people with chronic conditions lived in families with trouble paying their medical bills, up from 21 percent in 2003.  In addition, the report notes that while rising health care costs affect uninsured individuals more adversely than those with insurance, uninsured individuals with chronic illnesses are increasingly affected. 

From the report:

Almost 72 million working-age Americans—18-64 years old—live with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or depression. In 2007, almost three in 10, or more than 20 million people with chronic condi­tions, lived in families with problems paying medical bills—a significant increase from 21 percent in 2003, according to a new national study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC). While problems paying medical bills are especially acute and still rising for uninsured people with chronic conditions (62%), medical-bill problems also are significant and growing among people with private insurance and higher incomes. For the more than 20 million chronically ill adults with medical bill problems in 2007, one in four went without needed medical care, half put off care and more than half went without a prescription medication because of cost concerns.

Full report: Financial and Health Burdens of Chronic Conditions Grow (PDF | 230.28 KB)

Center for Studying Health System Change. (2009). Financial and health burdens of chronic conditions grow. Tracking Report, (24), 1-6. Tu, H. T. and Cohen, G. R.