Cut Consumer Costs Campaign
More people in the United States have health care coverage than ever before, but an April 2018 Consumers for Quality Care (CQC)-Ipsos survey found that Americans fear health care costs even more than they worry about costs associated with retirement, college, housing or child care.
This October, CQC commissioned the CQC Health Care Experience Study to better understand the broader health care themes that impact consumers and to delve more deeply into the issues behind these cost concerns. We found that consumers are deeply frustrated by unpredictable costs and the lack of transparency in health care.
Consumers’ number one pain point is the unexpected nature of bills and fees, followed closely by insurance costs and out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and routine medical visits.
Americans are more frustrated by health care costs than coverage or access issues
Very Frustrating
Somewhat Frustrating
Not Very Frustrating
Not At All Frustrating
DK
Hospital fees and unexpected hospital bills Insurance costs, like premiums, copays and deductibles Out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs Insurance does not cover emergency room or urgent care visits Out-of-pocket costs for routine visits to a doctor Insurance networks are too narrow, covering too few doctors and specialists Not being able to get an appointment with your physician or specialist Obtaining health insurance Not knowing what kind of health care provider you need to see |
More than 60 percent of survey respondents say it is too difficult to know how much they are going to pay for health care. They want more clarity on what is covered under their insurance, more clarity on out-of-pocket cost for hospital visits and prescriptions and more clarity on how often and why payments for prescribed treatments may be denied by their insurance.
While they want to see elected officials make improving health care a higher priority, consumers see the health care industry itself playing a significant role in this improvement.
As an organization committed to fighting for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans, CQC is launching the Cut Consumer Costs Campaign. Through this campaign, we will shine a light on areas where health care policies are straining consumers’ pocketbooks, while padding key health care industry players’ bottom lines. The campaign also will provide Americans with tools to raise their voices in an effort to Cut Consumer Costs in the health care arena.