A new statewide poll shows Hoosiers give extremely high marks to hospitals and health care providers for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty two percent of Hoosiers said hospitals have responded well during the pandemic and 80% applaud the work of health care providers. The poll, conducted by Bellwether Research and Consulting, surveyed 800 Hoosier voters statewide between Aug.13-16.
Hoosiers also trust hospitals and health providers with 71% expressing trust for hospitals and 79% for health care providers. Two-thirds of Hoosier voters say they do not “generally trust” health insurance and drug companies.
“Indiana’s hospitals sincerely appreciate the trust that Hoosiers have placed in them,” said IHA President Brian Tabor. “Our complete focus has been on providing care 24/7 to all patients and maintaining a high state of readiness into the future.”
In addition, the poll showed that Hoosiers believe hospitals and health care providers make a positive difference in their communities and are critical to the state’s economy. “Hospitals are the cornerstones in their communities. Not only do they provide health care, they are frequently one of the largest, if not the largest employer,” said Rob McLin, president and CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital and chair of the IHA Board of Directors.
Hoosiers also expressed concern about the financial toll COVID-19 is taking on hospitals. Seventy five percent expressed concern that hospitals, especially rural and urban safety net facilities, are at risk of closing. With the impact of increased costs of supplies and other expenditures, suspension of elective procedures, and many patients’ avoidance of care, hospitals experienced significant financial losses although federal relief has helped greatly.
Hoosiers point to health insurance companies and drug companies as the drivers of rising health care costs. Sixty eight percent say health insurance companies make too much money and 75% say drug companies make too much money. Just 38% say hospitals make too much money. In fact, when asked which concerns them more, voters overwhelming choose health insurance company profits (74%) over hospital profits (18%).
“Clearly this is a challenging time for all Hoosiers and it is vital that our health care delivery system remains strong,” said Tabor. “We also know that Hoosier consumers and businesses need relief, and we hope that insurance companies will consider rebates and support providers at this pivotal time in our economic recovery,” he added.
