Respondents reported a mean out-of-pocket expenditure of $2,251, including co-pays for office visits, prescription drugs, and hospital stays. Nearly 70% reported having private insurance (HMO or PPO), and 14% said they were uninsured, which approximately reflects the national average, Dr. Foster noted.
"Individuals and households affected by drug resistance bear a large uncompensated burden in terms of out-of-pocket expenses and lost wages," she concluded.
Dr. Foster declared that she had no relevant financial relationships other than bioMérieux's funding of her data analysis.