Barriers to Care
A recent survey commissioned by the American Hospital Association, reports that consumers believe that the policies and administrative procedures of commercial health insurers are causing delays in patient care, placing an excessive burden on healthcare providers, and contributing to unnecessary costs in the healthcare system.
Survey results validate consumer belief that commercial health insurers have established policies that create obstacles for patients trying to access care – sometimes even overriding the care plans agreed upon between patients and their healthcare providers. The American Hospital Association believes it is incumbent on commercial insurers to safeguard patient well-being and ensure that crucial care decisions are made by medical professionals rather than the insurance industry.
Patients are Concerned That Their Insurers Are Limiting Access to Care
of patients report their household has experienced at least one insurance coverage-related barrier in the past two years; 43% of those patients report their health has gotten worse as a result.
A majority of patients find health insurance companies responsible for the health care roadblocks they have experienced.
Patients Think Their Care Providers Know What’s Best
of patients agree that their health care providers know the best treatment for them and should be the one to make treatment decisions, not their insurance company.
Patients Are Concerned About Insurer Barriers to Care
of patients agree that there needs to be more transparency from health insurance companies on which services and medications require pre-approval (prior authorization) and the policies and criteria insurance companies use to grant that approval.
of patients agree that policymakers should focus on cracking down on health insurance practices that make it harder to get the care they need.
Patients Are Concerned About the High Cost of Health Insurance Premiums
A majority of patients report experiencing their health insurance premiums being too expensive as part of their family budget, difficulty affording insurance, or both.
Most patients who feel they are paying too much for health care point to higher insurance costs as the driver behind why those costs are too high.
This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Hospital Association December 2022.