Merced County families are struggling financially. New survey shows stark numbers
A new study conducted in Merced County shows the startling effects of the affordability crisis.
According to the poll, which was conducted by an Irvine-based research firm, eight out of 10 Merced County residents say they are struggling financially due to rising costs.
That has forced many to “make painful choices this holiday season,” the poll said.
According to the poll, inflation and rising costs have affected 80% of Merced County residents’ ability to pay bills, buy food or cover medical expenses.
Here are some stark numbers from the poll:
- 23% of respondents chose not to fill a prescription medication due to cost.
- 34% were unable to eat three meals a day because food was not available or too expensive.
- 24% ate just one meal a day because food was not available or too expensive.
- A quarter of residents avoided going to a grocery store due to rising inflation and the overall cost of living, while 24% avoided going to the doctor.
- 52% said they struggle to pay their bills.
The poll was conducted Nov. 21-24 by J. Wallin Opinion Research.
“Clearly, Merced County residents are feeling acute pains of the nation’s cost-of-living crisis,” said Justin Wallin, CEO of the research firm.
According to a news release, Turlock-based nonprofit Legacy Health Endowment commissioned the poll to better understand the impact of rising costs and how programs created or funded by LHE could be more effective in addressing the cost of healthcare.
Legacy Health Endowment provides help to Merced County residents (18 and older) who are not enrolled in Medi-Cal or Medicare and reside in the following ZIP codes: 95301, 95303, 95315, 95322, 95324, 95334, 95374.
“The economic challenges facing Merced County families are extremely troubling,” said Jeffrey Lewis, president and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment and EMC Health Foundation.
In Merced County, the Turlock-based organizations provide essential medical care on a sliding fee scale at the following providers:
- Castle Family Health Centers (Atwater)
- Livingston Community Health (Livingston, Delhi, Hilmar)
- Community Health Centers of America (Livingston and Gustine), whose Gustine clinic also offers access to UCSF neurologists.
