Why Texans skip medical care

• 19% of Texans carry medical debt, compared with 13% of U.S. residents, per credit data.

The latest: A new state law requires hospitals to give patients an itemized bill before collecting debt.

• The bill must include a "plain language description" of the services so patients can determine whether they have been overcharged.

By the numbers: Respondents' uncertainty over medical costs has increased in two years, per the poll.

• 34% of surveyed voters in January 2021 postponed or skipped treatment because of final price uncertainty.
• 41% of voters surveyed in August said they postponed or skipped treatment.

Be smart: NPR offers these tips on how to negotiate your medical bill.