Meredith College and N.C. Center for Health and Democracy Poll found that North Carolinians blame health insurance companies more than any other part of the healthcare system for the rising costs seen in healthcare. While North Carolinians are mostly satisfied with their current health insurance provider, just 8.3 % of North Carolinians feel that their health insurer has their best interest in mind.

The poll was conducted in November 2022.

“The Meredith Poll findings show us that [responders believe] North Carolina’s insurance companies consistently put up roadblocks to care and rely on a complicated process to maximize profits and reduce care for patients,” said Wendell Potter, founder of the Center for Health and Democracy and former Cigna executive. 

This perception is reinforced by the significant portion of North Carolinians who have had a procedure not covered by insurance (23.1%), had a claim denied (20.1%), or had to go through unnecessary paperwork to get treatment (16%) in the last two years. In addition, those who had a procedure not covered, had a claim denied, or had to go through unnecessary paperwork had significantly lower satisfaction with their health insurer. In fact, almost three-in-four (73.6%) of those who had a claim denied reported feeling dissatisfied with their insurance company with most of those being extremely dissatisfied. Similarly, those who said they had a health procedure not covered by the insurance company or received a surprise bill also increased their dissatisfaction levels by a factor of two.

“The Meredith Poll findings show that while North Carolinians are satisfied with their current health insurance, those who have had to navigate the insurance process of denials have significant dissatisfaction in their health insurance company,” said Dr. David McLennan, professor of political science and director of the Meredith Poll. “It is no surprise that patient dissatisfaction with health insurance companies increases with claim denials, denied care, and complicated appeals.”

The Meredith Poll partnered with the North Carolina Center for Health and Democracy to conduct the poll. The Center examines the status of health care in the state, educating patients, communities, and policymakers about the role health insurance companies have on costs, access, care outcomes, and the long-term sustainability of care for North Carolinians.