A new survey from ALG Research and Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) reveals that voters want relief from high out-of-pocket costs and insurance deductibles that pose a barrier to health care access.
The cost of health care is the issue voters most want Congress to address with the health care system (67% combined choice). Specific cost concerns include:
- Out-of-pocket costs of coverage like premiums, copays and deductibles worry voters most in the near term (57% combined choice);
- Being unable to afford a high deductible is the single thing that worries them most about seeking care in the future (28% extremely concerned/51% percent overall); and
- Voters almost unanimously agree (92%) on the importance of ensuring deductibles are low enough to not get in the way of accessing care.
Voters are also wary of trading quality for cost. When asked to choose, a majority of voters (55%) would prioritize higher quality care over lower costs (45%). Overall, 84% of voters agree that insurance companies shouldn’t be allowed to sell “low-cost” or “bare bones” plans that cover so little that going to the doctor isn’t affordable, even with insurance.
Read more:
- THE COVID EFFECT: Consumer Expectations for Health Care Coverage, Cost and Quality in 2021. Consumers for Quality Care. February 18 2021 (PDF)
- Consumers for Quality Care: https://consumers4qualitycare.org/research/research-winter-2021/