Perceived cost a barrier to health insurance coverage

Photo: Tempura/Getty Images

Of all of the factors that determine whether a person chooses to obtain health insurance, the single biggest factor is cost, according to a new survey commissioned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida.

In the survey, hundreds of uninsured Florida residents were polled to get a better understanding of their awareness of health insurance and to learn why some remain uninsured. The survey was conducted by a third-party vendor on behalf of Florida Blue between October 6 and 31 to coincide with the open enrollment period.

The main reason people gave for not having health insurance was perceived cost. Almost 70% of those surveyed believe they can't afford health insurance, or think it's simply too expensive.

Sixty five percent of those surveyed believe it would cost $50-$500 per month for insurance, while only 11% thought they could pay $10 or less. In reality, four out of five people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act marketplace are able to find a plan for $10 or less per month after financial assistance. According to the survey, more than nine out of 10 people enrolled in marketplace plans get financial assistance.

The uninsured are avoiding the doctor unless they are sick because they believe it costs too much money, results showed. And 73% did not know that most health insurance plans cover preventive care, such as regular checkups, mammograms, colonoscopies and vaccinations at $0 out-of-pocket cost.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

The frustration expressed by consumers tracks with a PhRMA/Ipsos poll from August, which found that many frustrations with healthcare hinge on inadequate health insurance coverage, the confusion with navigating insurance barriers to access, and the unexpected expenses and coverage issues patients experience.

Conducted among 2,510 American adults, the poll found a bipartisan supermajority (87%) of Americans feel politicians have lost touch with what the public needs from their healthcare. 

In line with how the public ranks healthcare issues – with "health insurance costs and coverage" topping the list of priorities, only behind the "coronavirus pandemic" – 86% of Americans agree that Congress should focus on cracking down on abusive insurance practices that make it harder for people to get the care they need. 

On that, there's agreement across party lines; 92% of Democratic and 84% of Republican registered voters agree.

Relatedly, when given the choice between two options, Americans would rather see Congress focus more on reducing the overall costs of coverage, such as premiums, deductibles and copays (71%), than reducing the costs of prescription drugs (29%).

THE LARGER TREND

When asked to pick the top two ideas that would create the most positive personal impact on out-of-pocket costs and affordability, one in three (33%) believe that placing a cap on the amount health insurers can make patients pay for their deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs would create a positive impact for them personally. 

Here, Democratic registered voters (40%) are more likely to see a positive personal impact from this approach than Republican (31%) or independent (34%) registered voters.

Other ideas that people feel would benefit them personally include giving insurers more incentives to keep the costs of health plans manageable for people who are sick and taking prescription medication (17%), and requiring health insurance companies to be more transparent about which medicines are covered and what patients will pay out-of-pocket for prescription medicines (16%).
 

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com