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Americans Turn to AI as Healthcare Costs Rise and Subsidies Expire
WASHINGTON D.C. – As the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced healthcare subsidies officially ended last week, millions of Americans are facing a new financial reality, prompting a surprising pivot towards artificial intelligence for navigating the nation’s notoriously complex healthcare system.
Approximately 24 million Americans relied on these subsidies to access discounted healthcare, a lifeline that has now been cut as the Senate remains stalled on renewal talks. In the wake of this financial squeeze, AI tools, notably ChatGPT, are emerging as an unexpected resource for those grappling with healthcare queries.
A recent survey by OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, revealed that three out of five Americans have recently used AI tools for health or healthcare-related questions. This trend is part of a larger global movement, with the report specifically highlighting the difficulties of the U.S. healthcare system as a significant driver of this increased AI adoption.
“In the United States, the healthcare system is a long-standing and worsening pain point for many,” the OpenAI report stated. The company tracks between 1.5 and 2 million health insurance-related messages weekly, indicating that Americans are utilizing ChatGPT for a wide range of tasks, from seeking diagnoses and comparing coverage plans to managing post-visit bills and claims.
Even before the expiration of ACA subsidies, the intricate and costly nature of the healthcare system was a major deterrent for many. The CDC reports that around 27 million Americans are uninsured, with many more considered underinsured, meaning their coverage often falls short of actual claim costs. A December Gallup poll further underscored public dissatisfaction, with a record low 16% of Americans expressing satisfaction with the healthcare system.
The U.S. healthcare system’s complexity is attributed to a multitude of stakeholders, including employer-sponsored private plans, federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and ACA plans that offered income-based subsidies. Researchers suggest this fragmentation contributes to higher administrative costs.
A 2023 survey by health policy research group KFF found that nearly 60% of insured Americans experienced problems using their health insurance. The survey also indicated strong public support for simplifying healthcare policies, such as requiring insurers to maintain accurate provider directories and provide clearer disclosures about out-of-pocket costs.
The OpenAI report also highlighted the potential benefits of AI for communities with low coverage rates, often referred to as “hospital deserts.” On average, nearly 600,000 healthcare-related queries are submitted to ChatGPT each week from these underserved rural areas, which are typically at least a 30-minute drive from the nearest general medical center.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Healthcare
While AI can be a valuable tool for deciphering bureaucratic complexities, researchers caution against over-reliance on it for medical diagnoses. A University of Pennsylvania survey last year found that over 60% of Americans believe AI-generated health information is at least somewhat reliable. However, studies have also revealed that AI medical diagnoses can be inaccurate and biased, sometimes issuing vastly different recommendations based on a patient’s race, income level, or sexual orientation.
Concerns also extend to mental health advice. Last year, OpenAI faced multiple lawsuits in California alleging that ChatGPT’s use contributed to suicides and psychological harm. In response, OpenAI adjusted its usage policies in November to scale back ChatGPT’s ability to offer medical advice.
An OpenAI spokesperson clarified in a statement to Business Insider regarding the policy change, “ChatGPT has never been a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, but it will continue to be a great resource to help people understand legal and health information.”
With millions now navigating a healthcare landscape without critical subsidies, the reliance on AI as a resource is only expected to grow.