One out of 10 Hawai'i residents age 50 and older surveyed by AARP Hawai'i said they either delayed a prescription or decided not to fill it at all because of the cost, took a smaller dosage of medication to make it last longer, or cut back on food, fuel or utilities to afford a prescription.

This same survey showed that women and people with lower household incomes are among the consumers most vulnerable to rising healthcare costs, according to Bruce Bottorff, a spokesman for AARP Hawai'i, which advocates for older Americans.

State Insurance Commissioner J.P. Schmidt noted that a national study shows many Americans are cutting back on medical care because of the cost — potentially putting their health at risk. He said consumers need to be aware about ways to save without endangering their health insurance or their lives.

Schmidt cited a recent survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners that showed the weakening U.S. economy is taking a toll on healthcare in America.

The July survey of 686 consumers nationwide found that 22 percent of U.S. consumers say they have reduced the number of times they see the doctor as a result of the slumping economy.

Furthermore, 11 percent of consumers say that they have cut back on the number of prescription drugs they take or the dosage of those medications to make the prescription last longer.

"Delaying medical treatment and regular physicals puts consumers at risk for potential health issues — and increases overall health insurance costs," Schmidt said.

Bottorff said healthcare costs are rising at an alarming rate, which is putting pressure on a lot of Hawai'i residents, particularly elderly residents on fixed incomes.

Between 1991 and 2004, personal healthcare expenditures in Hawai'i grew an average of nearly 6 percent per year.

Bottorff said a recent AARP survey of Hawai'i residents age 50 and older revealed concerns about the rise in the cost of prescription drugs. Telephone interviews were conducted in December 2007 and January 2008 with 777 randomly selected Hawai'i residents age 50 and older.

While most Hawai'i residents report some type of healthcare coverage that pays all or part of the cost of their prescription drugs, a significant portion spend upward of $50 per month on prescription drugs, Bottorff said.

WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

Schmidt cautioned against making hasty health insurance changes.

While consumers might be making budget cuts in other areas, the insurance association survey revealed that the vast majority have not reduced, canceled or otherwise made changes to their insurance policies.

"Insurance is an important — and oftentimes mandated — purchase for most residents," Schmidt said.

He offered some tips that may help save on health insurance: