Summer 2022 Research

Insuring the Insured: Consumer Expectations and Experiences with Health Care Costs and Coverage in 2022

New survey from Impact Research and Public Opinion Strategies reveals lowering out-of-pocket costs top voter concerns

A new poll from Impact Research and Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) finds that, when it comes to health care, Americans are concerned about the cost and what they pay out-of-pocket above all else. Even with insurance, too many Americans are stuck with expensive bills and medical debt due to higher deductibles, premiums, and other costs. Nearly one-third of voters have delayed care because they couldn’t afford it.

The main problem: out-of-pocket costs are too high.

Voters point to out of pocket costs by a more than 2-to-1 margin over the next highest option – too many people lacking coverage.

What do you think is the single biggest issue people face with the health care system today?

Americans are feeling the strain of inflation, and that includes the prices they are paying for gas and energy, food, and health care. In fact, a majority of voters say the amount they pay out of pocket for health care seems to be going up every year, and 60 percent said they have skipped or delayed getting the health care they need because they are concerned about how much they will have to pay out-of-pocket.

Cost increases and the unpredictability of out-of-pocket costs lead as the drivers of concerns about health care costs.

60% say at some point they’ve skipped or delayed care out of concerns over out-of-pocket costs.

Millions of Americans are grappling with mental health challenges, which the COVID-19 pandemic has only made worse. However, gaps in the health care system make accessing the mental health care they need a difficult task. Nearly 6-in-10 voters (57%) said it’s difficult to find mental health providers that are affordable or covered by insurance.

Voters find it tough to find mental health coverage and believe it’s more important than ever to cover it.

It is difficult to find health providers that are affordable or covered by insurance.

Net Agree: +39

It is more important now than ever that insurance cover mental health care so it’s affordable.

Net Agree: +81

More Americans than ever before have health insurance, yet too many are unable to get the quality, affordable care they deserve. Bringing down out-of-pocket health care costs is a top priority for voters, and our nation’s lawmakers should take notice.

Read more about the findings of our latest health care survey below: