NEW NATIONAL POLL: Patients Concerned About Uncertain Costs and Quality of Coverage

7 in 10 report that they or someone they know had trouble using
their health insurance in the past year

Insurance premiums top list of family budget concerns

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Fight4Health–The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) today released a
first of its kind poll examining Americans’ concerns about their
health care and coverage. The survey of more than 20,000 health care
consumers, conducted by Morning Consult, underscores the importance of
access to health care services in the fight against chronic disease. The
survey takes a closer look at how consumers use the health care system,
the barriers they face and the solutions they would like to see; the
data is available at the state and Congressional district level.

“We hear a lot about the mechanics of our health care system, but not
enough about how the system helps people or affects family finances,”
said PFCD Chairman Ken Thorpe, Ph.D. “This survey shines a light on the
challenges consumers face when it comes to using their health care
coverage. Unfortunately, this survey finds patients are facing less
coverage and higher costs than they expected, making access to care –
especially for those with one or more chronic conditions – more
difficult.”

“Morning Consult has transformed how research is conducted and how data
is made available to inform the public debate. This unprecedented data
collection project with the Partnership to Fight Chronic disease
involves nearly 22,000 interviews nationally and allows for in-depth
insights at the state level and across numerous disease groups,” said
Kyle Dropp, Cofounder and Chief Research Officer of The Morning Consult.

Among the survey’s key findings:

• 7 in 10 consumers report that they or someone they know have had
  difficulty using their health insurance coverage in the past year;
• Consumers’ top concern is premium costs and its impact on family
  budgets;
• Consumers want a better understanding of their true out-of-pocket
  costs before receiving care.

“Now is the time to motivate change and innovation among our political
leaders to improve access and quality in health care,” concluded Thorpe.

Review the findings here
and join PFCD in the #Fight4Health.

This poll surveyed nearly 22,000 Americans from May 13, 2016, through
September 7, 2016. The margin of error is plus or minus one percent.

The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is an international
coalition of hundreds of patient, provider, community, business and
labor groups, and health policy experts, committed to raising awareness
of the number one cause of death, disability and rising health care
costs: chronic disease. Learn more by visiting www.FightChronicDisease.org.

Contacts

PFCD
Jennifer Burke, 301-801-9847
jennifer.burke@fightchronicdisease.org