Pennsylvania Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey

Nationally, consumer worry about healthcare affordability is well documented but now—for the first time—a new survey reveals how affordability concerns and ideas for action play out in Pennsylvania. The survey of more than 960 Pennsylvania adults, conducted from Aug. 28-Sept. 14, 2018, found that: 

• 1 in 2 Pennsylvania adults experienced healthcare affordability burdens in the past year,  including 1 in 3 who struggled to pay medical bills.
• 4 in 5 are worried about affording healthcare in the future. 
• Not surprisingly, a very similar number agreed that the system needs to change. Across party lines, 4 of 5 residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current health system. 
• Also across party lines, 9 of 10 supported a broad array of solutions.
• 1 in 3 privately insured Pennsylvanian have received a surprise medical bill in the last year.

Altarum’s Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHESS) is designed to elicit respondents’ unbiased views on a wide range of health system issues, including confidence using the health system, financial burden and views on fixes that might be needed.

Below are Data Briefs with statewide and regional survey results.

Data Briefs

Statewide

• Pennsylvania Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Support a Range of Government Solutions Across Party Lines

• Many Privately-Insured Pennsylvanians Receive Unexpected Medical Bills; Fully One-Third Unhappy with Resolution, May Not Understand Options for Assistance

Regional

• Northeast/North Central Pennsylvania: 48% of Adults Experienced Healthcare Affordability Burdens in the Past Year
• Southeast Pennsylvania: 48% of Adults Experienced Healthcare Affordability Burdens in the Past Year
• South Central/Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania: 47% of Adults Experienced Healthcare Affordability Burdens in the Past Year
• Southwest Pennsylvania:58% of Adults Experienced Healthcare Affordability Burdens in the Past Year