As healthcare costs continue to spike in the U.S., a new survey from the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare found that nearly half of Americans (47%) view corporate health insurers as the primary driver behind affordability issues.
The federal government and drug companies followed closely behind, at 36% and 34% respectively. Hospitals and health systems were selected by 20% of respondents; pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) were selected by 17% and doctors and medical providers were selected by 10% of respondents.
The online survey (PDF) drew insights from 2,002 U.S. adults from May 22 to 24. The Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare is a hospital-backed lobbying organization, and the survey was conducted by Morning Consult.
Eighty-four percent of respondents report that corporate health insurers have too much control over medical decisions, and 79% report concerns that doctor-ordered treatments are being delayed or denied by insurers.
“The data reflect a growing national consensus that corporate insurers have assumed an outsized and harmful role in American healthcare, worsening patients’ access to care, overriding professional medical judgment, and driving up costs for patients and families,” the organization said. “When insurers prioritize revenue over care, the consequences ripple across the entire healthcare system, making healthcare less affordable and less accessible. Voters are paying attention and are increasingly demanding accountability from corporate insurers.”
Commercial health costs are expected to rise 9% in 2027, according to a recent report from PwC, a jump that payers say is driven by increasing artificial intelligence use, drug costs, provider reimbursement pressure and higher behavioral health utilization.
To grapple with rising costs, the American Hospital Association (AHA) released an affordability blueprint aimed at lowering costs and improving care quality and access across the nation.
U.S. hospitals and health systems are facing increasing scrutiny on their role in the affordability crisis from legislators, competing industry groups and think tanks alike.