Majority Happy with Health Insurance, Yet 25% Face Denials or Delays

A recent NBC News Decision Desk Poll, conducted by SurveyMonkey, highlights that a significant majority of U.S. adults express satisfaction with their health insurance. However, the survey also reveals that 25% of respondents have experienced delays or denials concerning their coverage in the past two years.

Overall Satisfaction with Health Insurance

The survey indicates that 82% of Americans are satisfied with their health care coverage. Among this group, one-third report being very satisfied with their insurance plans. Notably, older adults show the highest levels of satisfaction.

• 90% of Americans aged 65 and older are satisfied with their coverage.
• 42% of seniors reported being very satisfied.
• Those on Medicare or Medicaid also reflect high satisfaction rates, with 90% expressing contentment.

Differences in Satisfaction Levels

The survey reveals disparities in satisfaction based on age and insurance type. While 77% of private insurance holders report satisfaction, the figure stands at 90% for those with public coverage. Young Americans under 45 years old are more likely to voice dissatisfaction, with nearly 25% unhappy with their insurance.

Insurance Denials and Delays

Despite overall satisfaction, the poll illustrates a significant issue with coverage access. Approximately 24% of respondents have faced delays or denials for health care services or medications. This concern underscores ongoing challenges in the insurance landscape.

• 27% of women reported delays, compared to 21% of men.
• 26% of private insurance holders faced issues compared to 23% with public coverage.

The Affordable Care Act and Public Opinion

As discussions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continue, public sentiment remains divided. The poll shows that:

• 46% wish to retain the ACA, while 24% favor its repeal.
• Among young adults, 52% support keeping the ACA.
• 79% of Democrats and 61% of Black Americans prefer to maintain the legislation.
• 56% of Republicans express a desire to repeal it.

Trust in Political Parties

When it comes to handling health insurance issues, trust varies significantly along political lines. The survey indicates that 57% of respondents favor the Democratic Party’s approach to health care costs compared to 43% for the Republican Party. Women tend to trust the Democrats more, while men are divided evenly.

Methodology

The NBC News Decision Desk Poll surveyed 20,252 adults online between November 20 and December 8, with a margin of error of ±1.9 percentage points. This data provides valuable insight as health care remains a focal point heading into the 2026 midterm elections.