Rhode Islanders Seek More Affordable Healthcare, URI Poll Reveals

TL/DR –

A University of Rhode Island public opinion poll has revealed that while Rhode Islanders are generally satisfied with the state’s healthcare system, they believe it needs to become more affordable. According to the poll, 72% of respondents are worried about healthcare costs and 29% did not pursue recommended medical procedures due to cost. The poll also indicated a growing support for the establishment of a public medical school with 82% in favor, up from 75% the previous year.

Rhode Islanders Concerned About Healthcare Affordability

A recently conducted public opinion poll by the University of Rhode Island indicates that while Rhode Islanders are generally satisfied with the delivery of healthcare services in the state, they believe that more needs to be done to improve affordability. In fact, high costs have led some residents to refrain from seeking recommended medical care.

The fourth annual Rhode Island Survey Initiative poll, which was administered by URI’s College of Arts and Sciences and its Social Science Institute for Research, Education and Policy, surveyed 500 residents of Rhode Island between July 29 and Aug. 13, 2026. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 5.73%.

When asked to grade the state’s healthcare system, 36% of residents rated it as “satisfactory,” while 27% rated it as “good.” Regarding healthcare access, most respondents felt it was either satisfactory (34%) or good (28%). However, 72% of those surveyed expressed concern about the cost of healthcare, making it the most common household expense worry over groceries, gas, and rent.

“Healthcare costs are a unique concern that does not diminish as income rises, unlike other household bills,” said Michael DiNardi, URI associate professor of economics and SSIREP director. The poll also revealed that 29% of Rhode Islanders did not pursue doctor-recommended procedures due to cost.

This trend is especially worrying, according to Julie Keller, URI associate professor of sociology and Rhode Island Survey Initiative lead researcher. She noted that delaying care often leads to poor health outcomes.

Desire for More Affordable Healthcare and Trust in Healthcare Providers

Of those polled, 89% advocated for changes to make healthcare more affordable in Rhode Island. Many wanted to see their health insurance reduce out-of-pocket costs (41%) and some wished for the elimination of prior authorizations (24%). Additionally, the poll found that Rhode Islanders trust their own doctors or healthcare providers more than any other source for reliable health information.

In terms of future steps, support for the establishment of a medical school at URI has risen to 82% according to the poll. There was also a pronounced desire for the state to invest more in improving and protecting healthcare, with 49% of respondents stating that current spending levels were insufficient.

Visit the Rhode Island Survey Initiative website to learn more or to view the full report.

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