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THE BLUEPRINT:
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44% of New Yorkers say the U.S. is unprepared for future health crises.
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77% are concerned about infectious diseases such as measles, while 75% worry about bird flu.
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67% worry about affording healthcare for themselves and their families.
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61% trust government vaccine decisions; fewer trust chronic disease guidance.
New Yorkers worry about the next public health crisis, with 44 percent saying they don’t believe the U.S. is prepared. That’s according to the latest Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” public health poll, which was released Tuesday.
Among those surveyed, 40 percent said the nation is prepared.
Still, a large majority worry about infectious diseases, with 77 percent citing measles, 75 percent bird flu and 65 percent the new COVID-19 variants.
“It’s not surprising that confidence in whether we are prepared for the next public health crisis has eroded,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau, said in a news release about the poll’s findings.
“Science has become politicized and the divisions we see across the country have an impact,” Glatt added. “However, healthcare providers and researchers remain committed to evidence-based study and reporting.”
The poll surveyed 600 adults on Long Island and New York City. Sponsored by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, the poll was conducted from July 13-20 over landlines and cell phones.
Vaccine safety, accessible mental health services and care, addressing childhood obesity, treatment for substance abuse, and reducing reliance on processed foods all play key roles in improving the population’s overall health and wellness, respondents said. The poll also looked at access to and affording health insurance coverage.
Vaccine safety
“Immunization is key to primary health care and paramount to the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks,” Glatt said.
“Vaccines have proven that they are worth the investment to make them and the health insurance costs to cover them, as they are the safest, most effective way to protect the public from many preventable life-threatening diseases,” Glatt added. “I strongly encourage everyone to follow up with their physicians to get the recommended vaccines at the recommended times.”
Meanwhile, 61 percent said they trust government agencies to make important decisions about vaccines, and 45 percent said they trust government to make important decisions about medical research. Just 38 percent said they trust government recommendations to prevent chronic diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, vaccines can prevent more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections, and 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year, from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and measles.
Health insurance
The poll also looked at access to health insurance.
The findings come at a time when New York is preparing major changes to its Essential Plan due to $7.5 billion in federal cuts. To preserve coverage for 1.3 million residents, the state said it will overhaul the plan and tighten income eligibility, removing about 450,000 people. The changes are expected to take effect in mid-2026.
In the poll, 67 percent expressed concern about affording health care for themselves and their family. And 65 percent said they believe government should play a role in ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare.
Affordable, accessible health insurance is vital to primary care and crisis preparedness, experts say. The American Hospital Association links insurance to lower death rates, better outcomes and higher productivity.
Just 8 percent of poll respondents were uninsured. Meanwhile, 36 percent had private coverage, 17 percent were insured through the Affordable Care Act and 25 percent had Medicare, Medicaid or both.
Overall satisfaction is high among insured respondents, with 80 percent satisfied with their coverage and 76 percent satisfied with prescription drug costs.
Among those without health insurance, 49 percent said it is too expensive, 26 percent said their employer does not offer it, 15 percent said they don’t need it, and 6 percent didn’t know how to get it.
Affordability of health insurance concerns 67 percent of respondents, many of whom worry about covering healthcare costs for themselves and their families. As a result, 65 percent support government involvement to ensure access to affordable health insurance.
“No one is immune to injuries or illnesses,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau, said in the news release. “Health insurance provides security and peace of mind in the event of a serious illness. It also plays an important role in preventive care.”
Those needing help with health coverage are encouraged to contact the New York State Department of Health.
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Adina Genn
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