Americans spend 10%+ of their income on healthcare — 5 things to know

Despite ACA subsidies aimed at making coverage more affordable, a new study found most Americans spend more than 10 percent of their income on premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, according to Bangor Daily News.

In the study, researchers used a model to estimate how much individuals and families at different income levels will spend on health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses using the marketplaces in 2016.

Here are five things to know:

1. The study found 10 percent of people with incomes between $23,540 and $58,850 will pay nearly 21 percent of their income toward premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

2. For marketplace enrollees with incomes between $35,310 and $47,080, nearly 50 percent faced healthcare spending that's greater than 14.5 percent of their income.

3. Exchange customers aged 55 to 64 years old will spend 24.5 percent of their income on healthcare-related costs.

4. The hefty costs may deter individuals from seeking coverage.

5. The researchers suggest tying premium tax credits to gold plans, as opposed to silver plans, because gold plans give customers more generous coverage.

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