While the current Senate health bill would let states waive the requirement for essential benefits in plans, a majority of Americans want them, especially when it comes to coverage for emergency services and hospitalization.
This is according to a survey of 2,201 adults conducted online by Morning Consult on behalf of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The poll says emergency services rate the highest of the 10 benefits, with 73 percent of the respondents saying this particular provision is “very important” to keep. It’s followed by hospitalization coverage with 72 percent.
“Congress needs to listen to the American people and be reminded of the federal mandate it gave to hospital emergency departments in 1986 -- to care for everyone, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay,” says Rebecca Parker, MD, president of the ACEP.
“Unfortunately, insurance companies historically have always denied coverage for emergency care when given the option, as the current bill will do. Access to emergency care is critical to all Americans, as is insurance coverage for that care.”
When asked if they delayed or avoided emergency care in the past year out of concerns about the cost of copay, co-insurance, and/or health insurance deductible, 33 percent of respondents say yes, while 56 percent say no, and 11 percent either didn’t know or had no opinion.
“Patients can’t choose where and when they will need emergency care and they shouldn't be punished financially for having emergencies,” Parker says.
"If you or a family member suddenly develop sharp and persistent pain in your abdomen, you should have the confidence that your health insurance will cover you so that you can go to the nearest emergency department.”
When asked about the eight other essential benefits currently required in health care plans under the Affordable Care Act, respondents list these as very important:
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Maternity and newborn care: 66 percent
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Mental health and substance abuse disorder services, including behavioral health treatment: 59 percent
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Prescription drug coverage: 68 percent
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Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices: 58 percent
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Laboratory services such as blood tests: 65 percent say
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Preventive and wellness services, including chronic disease management: 64 percent say
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Pediatric services, including oral and vision care: 63 percent
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Ambulatory patient services: 62 percent
While the survey didn’t ask respondents to identify their party affiliation, they were asked about who they voted for president in 2012 and 2016. In 2012, 39 percent voted for Barack Obama, 27 percent voted for Mitt Romney, 4 percent voted for another person, and 30 percent didn’t vote.
In 2016, 33 percent voted for Hillary Clinton, 36 percent voted for Donald Trump, and 8 percent voted for someone else.
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Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
