One of the most pressing issues in healthcare today is the growing complexity of patient insurance and financial challenges. Patients often face significant barriers when trying to understand and manage their health coverage. These challenges can lead to delayed treatments, unexpected medical bills, and reduced trust in the healthcare system. As healthcare costs continue to rise and navigating insurance policies becomes more complicated, improving transparency, affordability, and patient support remains a top priority for providers, payers, and policymakers alike.

In our October 2025 poll, PHSL asked respondents: “What is the biggest patient insurance or financial challenge within healthcare today?”

The majority of participants (50%) identified navigating health insurance coverage rules and policies as the greatest challenge. Another 38% selected gaining health insurance benefits as a primary concern, indicating ongoing barriers to obtaining coverage. Meanwhile, 13% pointed to accessing healthcare providers as the most significant issue, highlighting the link between insurance limitations and provider availability. No respondents selected navigating direct-to-patient programs (0%), suggesting these programs are less problematic compared to broader insurance and coverage issues.

What is the biggest patient insurance or financial challenge within healthcare today?

Accessing healthcare providers: 13%

Navigating health insurance coverage rules and policies: 50%

Gaining health insurance benefits: 38%

Navigating direct-to-patient programs: 0%