Press Release: CSS and Altarum Release New Statewide Healthcare Affordability Survey

Press Release

CSS and Altarum Release New Statewide Healthcare Affordability Survey

Survey reveals New Yorkers are struggling with high healthcare costs and support government-led solutions across party lines

As the second most expensive state in the country for health care, consumer concerns about affordability and access to quality care continue to be reliable indicators of New York's broken health care marketplace. A new statewide survey puts a fine point on those concerns, finding that more than two-thirds of New Yorkers experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year. Even more (80 percent) worry about affording health care in the future.

The survey of more than 1,400 New York State residents, aged 18 and older, was conducted from December 26, 2024, to January 3, 2025, by Altarum's Healthcare Value Hub in partnership with the Community Service Society of New York (CSS).

Key findings of the survey include:

• 66 percent reported they delayed or went without care due to cost in the last year;
• 31 percent reported incurring medical debt, depleting savings, and/or sacrificing basic needs due to medical costs;
• 20 percent reported they or a family member had overdue medical bills;
• 80 percent reported they worry about affording health care in the future;
• 68 percent reported experiencing at least one health care affordability burden in the past year.

The survey results underscore the urgent need for state lawmakers to act during this month's budget negotiations on legislative reforms that would help address New York's health care affordability crisis. For example, the Fair Pricing Act (S705/A2140) would place caps on routine medical services across different sites of care and save New Yorkers $213 million annually in out-of-pocket spending. Similarly, the Primary Care Investment Act (S1634/A1915A) would replace some expensive hospitalizations with primary care while improving equity and quality of care.

Policymakers should also consider adopting models implemented by other states to address unaffordability such as California's Office of Health Care Affordability which caps growth of health care costs, restricts consolidation and upholds standards for quality and equity.

"The survey shows that respondents in New York are concerned about health care affordability. The data show 68 percent struggle with affording medical care, and well over half are delaying or avoiding medical care due to cost. Additionally, the data signaled widespread support across party lines for potential policy solutions," said Beth Beaudin-Seiler, Director of Healthcare Value Hub.

"This survey confirms what should come as no surprise - that health care affordability is one of New Yorkers' biggest concerns, and they are facing real hardships in the face of rising costs," said State Senator Liz Krueger (Senate District 28), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. "The reality is that unless we take action across the board, in large and small ways, this situation is only going to get worse. We must take steps to ensure that New York families can have access to the care they need without putting such a heavy burden on their wallets. My bill, the Fair Pricing Act, takes an important step towards reducing excessive hospital prices by capping the cost of outpatient services."

"This survey shows very clearly that we must do a lot more to address New Yorkers' concerns over our state's health care affordability crisis," said Assembly Member Chantel Jackson (Assembly District 79). "Affordable health care is the cornerstone of a just society. When everyone has access to necessary medical services, we pave the way for a healthier, more productive, and compassionate world. I believe that placing some controls on hospital prices in New York will get us closer to this goal. That's why I'm proud to sponsor the Fair Pricing Act, which would among other things cap prices for some office-based medical treatments and procedures performed in hospital outpatient departments saving patients millions in costs."

"New Yorkers of all income levels are struggling to pay for health care, with middle-income residents experiencing some of the most significant burdens," said David R. Jones, CSS President and CEO. "While robust public insurance offerings, including the Essential Plan and Medicaid, can alleviate affordability burdens for the lowest-income New Yorkers, these programs are under federal threat. The State needs to protect all New Yorkers from federal threats to health coverage and take action to improve health care affordability across income levels."

"The survey findings demonstrate that New Yorkers across the political spectrum want leaders in Albany to take action to improve health care affordability," said Elisabeth Benjamin, CSS Vice President of Health Initiatives. "New York should follow the lead of California and create an Office of Health Care Affordability responsible for slowing health care spending growth and promoting high value care."

Overall, the survey found that concerns about health care affordability were consistent across income levels, race, ethnicity, region and political affiliation. Health care affordability concerns were highest among lower to middle-income households, those with a disabled family member, and those in New York City. When specifically examining health care affordability burdens, the survey found that 78 percent of New York City residents reported going without care due to cost, compared to 60 percent for upstate residents and 58 percent for Long Island residents.

The survey also found bi-partisan support for government-led policy fixes to the state's health care system, with 68 percent of Republicans and 82 percent of Democrats supporting changes.

Altarum is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health of individuals with fewer financial resources and populations disenfranchised by the health care system. The organization works primarily on behalf of federal and state governments to design and implement solutions to improve access to care. Altarum leverages staff expertise in public health, health care delivery, technology development and implementation, practice transformation, training and technical assistance, quality improvement, data analytics, and applied research and evaluation to achieve measurable improvements in health outcomes and access. Altarum's innovative solutions and proven processes lead to better value and health for all.

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment opportunities, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. Join us at www.cssny.org.

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