Crohn's & Colitis Foundation survey reveals more than 40% of IBD patients made significant financial sacrifices to pay for their healthcare

NEW YORK, NY – October 8, 2024 - The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation released findings from its latest healthcare access survey, revealing that more than 40% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have made significant financial trade-offs to afford their healthcare. The survey highlighted that among all respondents, 30% reported giving up vacations or major household purchases, 22% increased their credit card debt, and 21% cut back on essential items such as food, clothing, or basic household items.   

The survey, published today in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, included responses from more than 2,200 IBD patients and caregivers, and highlighted persistent challenges in accessing medications, tests, and treatments due to insurance restrictions and financial burdens. The full article is available here.  

Among patients prescribed medication for their IBD in the past year: 

• The majority (63%) faced financial barriers to obtaining medications, resulting in them not taking their IBD medications as prescribed. Consequently, 66% experienced adverse health events. 

• More than half (56%) faced medication access issues due to insurance problems. 

• Nearly a quarter (25%) faced step therapy or fail -first mandates forcing them to try and fail on other medications before getting their prescribed treatment. 

• Patients’ access to healthcare differed based on their age, type of medication prescribed, and type of health insurance. Patients who live in areas of concentrated poverty were more likely to experience poor health outcomes when subjected to step therapy compared to patients who were not. 

The goal of the survey was to assess the state of access to care for patients with IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and affects approximately 1 in 100 Americans. The Foundation developed the survey in collaboration with Mathematica and a stakeholder group comprised of medical advisors, patients with IBD, and caregivers. Statistical analyses were performed by Mathematica. 

IBD medications such as biologics, are expensive and necessary for chronic management of the disease. The annual cost of biologic treatments and hospital stays can be in the tens of thousands of dollars, placing a significant financial burden on patients. 

"These findings underscore the urgent need to address healthcare disparities in IBD care," said Michael Osso, President & CEO of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. "Despite our progress in IBD research and treatment options, many patients still struggle to access the care they need without facing undue burden. Our survey findings highlight the critical need for reforms to ensure that IBD patients can access the medications they need without undue financial hardship."  

The Foundation actively engages in advocacy initiatives aimed at reforming drug affordability and improving access to essential medications. To learn more about how you can contribute to these efforts, please visit our advocacy page.