A recent Patient Experience Survey conducted by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has shed light on the struggles Americans face when it comes to accessing healthcare due to barriers in health insurance. The survey, which gathered insights from patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, highlights the need for policy changes to improve access to affordable healthcare.
The survey results reveal that many Americans are facing significant challenges in accessing the healthcare they need due to issues with their health insurance. Nearly 70% of patients reported having to make difficult decisions about their healthcare due to cost concerns, such as delaying or forgoing treatment, skipping doses, or cutting back on other expenses to afford their medication. Furthermore, 60% of patients reported having to deal with insurance denials, prior authorizations, or other administrative hurdles that hindered their access to necessary care.
Caregivers and healthcare providers also weighed in on the challenges patients face. A significant majority (80%) of caregivers reported having to help their loved ones navigate the complex healthcare system, including dealing with insurance issues. Similarly, 85% of healthcare providers stated that they have to spend a substantial amount of time dealing with insurance-related administrative tasks, taking away from the time they can spend on patient care.
The survey also highlighted the need for policy changes to address these issues. A vast majority (90%) of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers agreed that policymakers should prioritize making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Specifically, respondents called for reforms aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs, simplifying insurance administrative processes, and increasing transparency around insurance coverage and costs.
The PhRMA survey’s findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing the healthcare barriers faced by Americans. By listening to the experiences and perspectives of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, policymakers can work towards creating a more patient-centered and equitable healthcare system. This could involve implementing policy changes such as capping out-of-pocket costs, streamlining prior authorization processes, and promoting transparency in insurance coverage and costs.
Overall, the Patient Experience Survey provides a compelling call to action for policymakers to prioritize healthcare accessibility and affordability. By working together to address the barriers and challenges identified in the survey, Americans can have greater confidence in their ability to access the healthcare they need, without breaking the bank or navigating a complex and frustrating system.