In the heart of Iowa, Dr. Rachel Preisser, co-owner of GRACE Imaging and Medical Spa, is sounding the alarm about the escalating health insurance costs and the physician shortage that is putting a strain on both healthcare providers and patients. Since opening her breast imaging private practice a year ago, Dr. Preisser has made significant strides in her community, but she's also witnessed the challenges that lie ahead.
'We've learned a lot. We've grown a lot. We've taken care of a lot of women. We've diagnosed a lot of cancers, and we've just, we've made a huge impact in our community,' Dr. Preisser reflects on her practice's achievements. However, the future is uncertain due to several pressing healthcare issues.
Iowa ranks 44th out of 50 states in terms of the number of physicians available per capita, with a particularly severe shortage of OBGYN providers. 'So we are at the bottom. And things are not getting any better for us when we look specifically at providers who provide women's health services, namely OBGYN providers, we are dead last. There are multiple counties in our state where there is not a single obstetrician-gynecologist,' Dr. Preisser notes.
Iowa also faces the second-highest cancer rate in the country, with breast cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer. 'And breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer that we have in our state, not just in women, but across the board,' Dr. Preisser emphasizes.
Amid these challenges, health insurance costs are rising. Total premiums have increased by more than 24% since 2019, with employees expected to pay 6% to 7% more in premiums this year. Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plans are seeing an average rate increase of about 26%, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. The real cost to consumers is heavily influenced by expiring tax credits, adding to the financial strain on both patients and providers.
'The math doesn't make sense,' Dr. Preisser laments. 'We are paying more. We are getting less services. And the folks who are providing that care are also getting paid less. So the money is going somewhere, and it's going into the pockets of insurance companies.' Medical reimbursements have decreased by 30%, not even keeping up with inflation, while expenses continue to rise. Some clinics have stopped accepting certain insurance plans, and patients are traveling long distances to be seen at GRACE.
The concern is that more patients may delay potentially life-saving screenings due to cost fears. 'When we find breast cancers, when they're teeny tiny, they're very treatable. And when we find a breast cancer or treat it, you have a good outcome. You get to move on. It's a speed bump as opposed to the fight for your life,' Dr. Preisser explains.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Preisser remains committed to providing care for all. 'We're going to do everything we can to keep our doors open and to provide access to everyone,' she asserts.
