West Virginia

Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey

A survey of more than 1,100 adults from West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties (WVSAC), conducted from September 26 to November 4, 2022, found that:

More than 3 in 5 (64%) experienced at least one healthcare affordability burden in the past year;
Over 4 in 5 (84%) worry about affording healthcare in the future;
Lower-income respondents and respondents with disabilities are more likely to go without care and incur debt due to healthcare costs;
Across party lines, respondents express strong support for government-led solutions; and
9 in 10 (89%) agree that the government should expand health insurance options so that everyone can afford quality coverage.

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 survey results.

2023 Survey

Healthcare Affordability Brief

Unexpected Medical Bills Brief

Healthcare Access and Fairness Brief

Recent Surveys

Many Privately-Insured Respondents in the West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties (WVSAC) Region Receive Unexpected Medical Bills; Nearly One-Half Unhappy with Resolution, May Not Understand Options for Assistance

Unexpected medical bills are surprisingly common. They can take many forms, from higher-than-expected charges, to bills from unexpected doctors, to bills from out-of-network providers when patients thought they were in-network. Although the No Surprises Act went into effect in January 2022, consumers continue to…

Respondents in the West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties Region Bear Healthcare Affordability Burdens Unequally; Distrust of/Disrespect by Healthcare Providers Leads Some to Delay/Go Without Needed Care

Respondents in the West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties Region Bear Healthcare Affordability Burdens Unequally; Distrust of/Disrespect by Healthcare Providers Leads Some to Delay/Go Without Needed Care A survey of more than 1,100 adult respondents from the West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian…

West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Worry about Affording Healthcare in the Future; Support Government Action across Party Lines

West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Worry about Affording Healthcare in the Future; Support Government Action across Party Lines Key Findings A survey of more than 1,100 adults from West Virginia and Surrounding Appalachian Counties…

Altarum in Action

Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner cites CHESS survey in letter to State House Committee on Health and Human Services about HB072 related to reimbursement rates and repealing affordability standards. Read more

Washington State Senator Patty Murray’s office cites the WA CHESS survey in press release about Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing where Senator Murray questioned CEOs of major pharmaceutical companies about the high prices charged to Americans for their prescription drugs. Read more