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A N   E N Q U I R E R   S P E C I A L   R E P O R T
Top medical worry: paying the bills
We still trust our doctors. Our hospitals get the job done. But the rising costs of health care have spiraled into a crisis for many. An Enquirer survey provides one of the best accountings yet of the region's health-care concerns.
Full results of the survey
Consumer-directed care confusing to many
As part of a national trend sweeping the region, consumers in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have more health-care choices than ever. And as their coverage costs go up, they're searching harder for the best deals on drugs, tests and treatment.
Red tape near top of patients' worries
Even as people complain about costs, many also are asking, "Why can't they get the paperwork straight?" Red-tape complications rank just after costs as the biggest health-care aggravations people face.
Costs pound retirees
Retirees are finding that less is costing much more, at a time of their lives when they may need health care most.
Uninsured risk crushing bills
200,000 people in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky live without health insurance. That's enough to fill Great American Ball Park nearly five times.
Where to get help with health costs
Healthy living, lower premiums?
More than half of people who answered the Enquirer survey said that smokers, fat people and those who don't take good care of themselves should pay more for health benefits.
Employers offer workers array of incentives to get and stay fit
Editorial: Don't blame others for health costs
Six situations, a common fear
Chronically ill or 'ridiculously healthy." Workers, self-employed or retired. Young or old. A spectrum of lifestyles and incomes. But these Greater Cincinnati families share a worry about the cost of health care, now and in the future.
Harry Tyson SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Risk of going bare vs. impossible costs
Harry Tyson started a company after the dot.com bust, but health benefits have been impossible.
Rich Hancock YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
Satisfied for now, unsure about later
Though happy with his coverage, Rich Hancock worries as his parents spend more.
Lisa James CHRONIC ILLNESS
Insurance changed and bills soared
When Lisa James' husband took a new job, it turned into a coverage nightmare.
Keith Glassmeyer UNION WORKER
A strong benefit that may not last
Keith Glassmeyer says health-care benefits are the biggest concern among fellow workers.
Betty Stevens CONCERNED SENIOR
No confidence in Medicare reform
Betty Stevens joined an HMO in the '90s, and saved money at first. She's now less satisfied.
Harry Tyson RETIRED EXECUTIVE
'On the good end,' but still worried
Bill Luerssen is "ridiculously healthy" and lucky to have benefits. Not all retirees are so lucky.
More stories from Greater Cincinnati residents
Add your own story or comment
YOUR THOUGHTS
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SURVEY RESULTS
See the full results from the survey. Complete survey

ABOUT THE POLL
The poll for "Your Health/Your Money" was conducted Jan. 6-12 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.

Pollsters conducted telephone interviews with 624 adults in Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont counties in Ohio; and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points for the full sample, higher for subgroups.

Those surveyed fairly represent Greater Cincinnati's adult population: 52.2 percent were female; 84.6 percent were white, 12.2 percent were black, with the rest citing other races or declining to state their race.

People aged 60 or older accounted for 26.4 percent of those surveyed; 28 percent were aged 45-59; 29.8 percent were 30-44; and 15.5 percent were 18-29.

Nine percent reported family income less than $15,000; 14.9 percent earned $15,000 to $29,999; 20.7 percent earned $30,000 to $49,999; 22.1 percent earned $50,000 to $79,999; 16.5 percent earned $80,000 or more and 16.8 percent did not specify an income.

SPEAK OUT
The Enquirer wants to hear your ideas and experiences with the health care system. Please send comments to Tim Bonfield, health issues reporter, The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202.
Fax: (513) 768-8369
E-mail: tbonfield@enquirer.com

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