Healthcare expenses are becoming burdens for a large portion of older Americans, according to a report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

The survey noted that 21.5 percent of households with Americans over the age of 50 have been forced to alter their prescription drug options due to cost. In addition, nearly 20 percent reported avoiding the doctor when they have needed to go.

"We know that consumption tends to fall with age, but it's difficult to measure whether falling consumption is voluntary," said Sudipto Banerjee of EBRI, author of the study. "However, we found evidence that a significant segment of the older population may be making spending adjustments to their health care in order to save money."

More than 27 percent of older Americans noted they have experienced trouble with their ability to make bill payments, due to their healthcare costs, the survey noted. Another 30 percent of older consumers who have struggling health needed to change their prescription drug habits.

Older Americans who are struggling with health insurance payments may be better served by a plan with a lower deductible. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may help save money, especially with rising costs elsewhere.