One of the factors contributing to the high cost of health care is, well, the high cost of health care. Too often, consumers avoid preventive-care visits or checkups for minor issues because they either can't afford to go to the doctor or have no idea what the final bill is going to look like. This avoidance can easily result in more expensive doctor visits later. The rise of consumer-driven and high-deductible health care plans has exasperated this problem, and many employers are now backpedaling on this cost-saving strategy. Meanwhile, the ACA's preventive services requirement has encouraged many more people to go see their doctor. Using data compiled from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Kaiser Family Foundation has put together a database showing how cost of care impacts consumers. Overall, the national rate is 13.5 percent in 2017, down significantly from 15.9 percent in 2013 but not as low as 2016's 13 percent. The problem is most prevalent among the southern states, though the top spot actually goes to the U.S. territory of Guam, where 20.5 percent of consumers have foregone a doctor visit in the past year due to cost. Take a look at the slideshow above to see the states where consumers are most likely to avoid the doctor due to cost. Read more about the importance of preventive care: |

• Many employees still unaware of free preventive care benefits
• Few Americans get recommended preventative health services
• Employers mitigate health care costs with preventive care, wellness plans