A study by the nation's insurance regulators has found that the weakening economy hasn't led many Americans to drop property-casualty coverage, but they are cutting back on medical care.

The findings were reported by the Kansas City, Mo.-based National Association of Insurance Commissioners after a national survey of 686 consumers in July.

Twenty-two percent of U.S. consumers polled, the NAIC said, reported they have reduced the number of times they see the doctor as a result of today's economy, and 11 percent said they have cut back the number of prescription drugs they take or the dosage of those medications to make the prescription last longer.

NAIC President and Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger said consumers' delay in medical treatment and regular physicals puts them at risk for potential health issues--and increases overall health insurance costs.

"It's critical that consumers continue to take responsibility for their health, so that we can all benefit from healthier lives and more affordable health care," she said.

But while consumers might be making budget cuts in other areas, the NAIC's survey revealed the vast majority have not reduced, cancelled or otherwise made changes to their insurance policies.

The NAIC said survey results on various insurance sectors found:

o Eighty percent of consumers have not made changes to their auto insurance policy.

However, 7 percent of consumers reported changes--4 percent reduced coverage, 2 percent fell behind on payments and 1 percent cancelled their policy.

o Seventy-four percent of consumers have not made changes to their homeowners insurance policy.

However, 5 percent of consumers reported changes--2 percent reduced coverage, less than 1 percent fell behind on payments and 3 percent cancelled their policy.

o Eighty-five percent of consumers have not made changes to their health insurance policy.

But 5 percent of consumers reported changes--2 percent reduced coverage, 1 percent fell behind on payments and 2 percent cancelled their policy.

o Seventy-eight percent of consumers have not made changes to their life insurance policy.

However, 6 percent of consumers reported changes--1 percent reduced coverage, 2 percent fell behind on payments and 3 percent cancelled their policy.

The NAIC offers tips for consumers on how to lower their insurance premiums through its public education program, Insure U, at www.InsureUonline.org. and in Spanish at www.insureuonline.org/espanol.

For motorists it suggests maintaining a good driving record and installing safety devices and anti-theft apparatus as well as contacting insurance providers to see about discounts.

For homeowners insurance it recommends maintaining a good credit history and installing protective devices as well as consolidating homeowners and auto insurance policies with the same insurer for a discount and possibly reducing deductibles.

Among suggestions for health insurance NAIC recommends spouses comparing their different workplace policies to see which one fits their need, evaluating covered services, staying in-network when possible, making sure to get referrals and pre-certifications as required by the plan, and considering opening a flexible spending account.

For life insurance the NAIC recommends avoiding risky behavior, keeping healthy and maintaining a good driving record.

NAIC provides consumer information at www.insureUonline.org.

Special Reports /

Consumers Cut Doctor Visits But Keep Up P-C Insurance

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