Oklahomans overwhelmingly support protection from denial by insurance companies for needed care recommended by physicians

SoonerPoll.com, Oklahoma’s public opinion pollster, asked likely voters in the State of Oklahoma their opinions toward healthcare insurance and the coverage of cancer therapies, specifically proton radiation therapy. The scientific study was conducted from November 17-24, 2014 with 302 likely Oklahoma voters selected at random statewide from a dual frame of both landline telephone and cell phones. The sample was weighted by age and congressional district, then stratified using a model of likely voters. The poll was commissioned by ProCure Proton Therapy Center of Oklahoma City.

The sample reflected the traditional demographical profile of the Oklahoma likely voter with roughly half of respondents identifying as conservative and attending religious services once or more per week. The study has a Margin of Error (MoE) of ±5.64 percent.

Here are the key take-aways:

• Oklahoma likely voters would overwhelmingly support legislation (87.6%) requiring health insurance companies to cover proton therapy for clinically appropriate patients in Oklahoma.
• 80% of Republicans would “Strongly support” this legislation, with an even greater percentage of Democrats (84.5%) and Independents (97.8%) indicating this as well.

• Another large majority of Oklahoma likely voters (87.4%) believe that health insurance companies should be required BY LAW to cover medical treatments that offer a patient the least risk of complications, both short and long term, no matter the cost.

• And, they should be required BY LAW (85%) to approve the newest and most effective medical treatments even if it costs more.

• 91% believe Oklahoma doctors should make the decisions on medical treatments regarding their Oklahoma patients.

• Voters also believe (83.8%) that health insurance companies should be required BY LAW to approve any and all treatments that can be shown to offer better health, comfort, and potential longevity, improving a patient’s quality of life.

• 91% DISAGREE that health insurance companies should be allowed to DENY medical treatment in order to keep costs down.

• Almost all of Oklahoma likely voters believe it is important that Oklahoma remain on the cutting edge of cancer therapy and research. 9 out of 10 voters indicated they would be likely to travel out of state if they could not receive the best cancer care here in Oklahoma.  There was no significant difference between party affiliation and how the questions were answered for this study.

• A considerable majority of Oklahoma likely voters (72%) also expressed that they would be LESS likely to vote for an Oklahoma senator or representative if they knew the legislator voted AGAINST legislation requiring insurance carriers to cover proton therapy for clinically appropriate patients.
• Almost 70% of Republicans would be less likely to vote for a legislator if they voted against this legislation, with an even greater percentage of Democrats and Independents indicating this as well.

About the Poll

The poll of 303 likely voters in Oklahoma was commissioned and conducted Nov 17-24, 2014 by live interviewer and included 71 cellphone and 232 landline users. The margin of error is ±5.64 percentage points.

Poll results were weighted by age and congressional district, stratified by Oklahoma likely voters statewide. This poll conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls. A complete description of the methodology can be found here.

The poll's Call Disposition and Rate Calculation report can be viewed here.