Which issue can high health care costs directly cause for consumers?

High health care costs can directly lead to a reduction in access to health care for consumers. When individuals face high expenses related to medical services, they may be unable or unwilling to seek out necessary care because of the financial burden. This can result in poorer health outcomes, as preventative care or timely treatment may no longer be viable options for those facing such costs. The implications of reduced access can be significant, affecting not just individual health but also public health more broadly, as untreated conditions may worsen over time.

The other options, such as job satisfaction, workplace safety, and employment opportunities, might be influenced by healthcare costs but do not directly represent an immediate consequence of high health care expenses in the same way that access to care does.