Poll Reveals Concerns Over Health Care Costs
A recent poll indicates that a significant number of Americans view commercial health insurance companies as the primary cause of escalating health care costs. Conducted by the American Coalition for Health Care Improvement, the survey shows that 47% of voters attribute rising health care expenses mainly to these insurance companies. In comparison, 36% blame the federal government, while 34% point to pharmaceutical companies.
Additionally, a majority of respondents expressed worries about their insurance companies potentially denying or delaying treatments endorsed by their doctors. According to a statement from the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Health Care, “Voters are profoundly concerned about the influence commercial health insurance firms have on rising costs and the denial of care.” The coalition emphasized that many Americans believe medical decisions should rest with healthcare providers and patients, rather than insurance companies, and support more accountability for practices that hinder access to care.
Notably, 84% of those surveyed feel that commercial insurers wield too much power over medical decisions. Furthermore, 70% argue that doctors should make the final decisions regarding treatment approvals. The poll also revealed that 72% of participants would be more inclined to support candidates who advocate for holding insurance companies accountable for unjust claim denials.
This poll arrives at a time when many Americans are increasingly worried about health care affordability. U.S. health expenditures are projected to hit $5.3 trillion, roughly $15,474 per person, in 2024, which constitutes 18% of the national economy.
An increase in market concentration among a decreasing number of insurers may be driving up premiums across the country, as noted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
Amidst these discussions, some Republican lawmakers are cautious about engaging in substantial health care policy changes leading up to the upcoming midterm elections.
The survey by Morning Consult for the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare was conducted from May 22 to May 24, targeting a sample size of 2,002 adults, and features a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
