News Summary
A recent poll reveals that a majority of New Yorkers doubt the nation’s readiness for future health crises, with 44% citing concerns about effective emergency handling. The survey, conducted by Mount Sinai South Nassau, also highlights worries regarding infectious diseases, healthcare affordability, and trust in government health policies, pointing to critical challenges in public health readiness. With significant federal funding cuts projected to affect healthcare coverage, the need for reliable health information and support is more crucial than ever for residents grappling with these issues.
New York – A recent poll indicates significant concerns among New Yorkers about the nation’s preparedness for future health crises, with 44% of respondents expressing doubts about the U.S. ability to handle such emergencies effectively. The findings stem from the Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” public health poll, which surveyed 600 adults across Long Island and New York City between July 13 and July 20, 2025, and was released on September 16, 2025.
While 40% of those surveyed believe the nation is adequately prepared for health emergencies, a notable majority are apprehensive about various health issues. Among these, 77% of New Yorkers voiced concerns about infectious diseases like measles, followed closely by 75% worrying about bird flu. Additionally, 67% of participants are anxious about their ability to afford healthcare, while 65% expressed worries regarding new COVID-19 variants.
The survey also highlighted a disparity in trust towards government health policies. 61% of respondents reported confidence in governmental vaccine decisions, yet trust plummeted to 38% for government recommendations concerning the prevention of chronic diseases. This skepticism reflects a broader sentiment regarding the politicization of science, as noted by experts analyzing the poll results.
Health Coverage Accessibility and Affordability
Access and affordability of health insurance remain critical issues, particularly in light of recent federal funding cuts. New York is facing $7.5 billion in federal cuts, which will lead to approximately 450,000 individuals losing health coverage, primarily through the Essential Plan. In the poll, 67% of respondents voiced concerns over healthcare affordability, with 65% advocating for government intervention to ensure accessible, affordable healthcare.
Among those surveyed, only 8% were uninsured. The composition of coverage included 36% with private insurance, 17% under Affordable Care Act plans, and 25% under Medicare or Medicaid programs. Satisfaction levels among the insured are relatively high, with 80% expressing contentment with their health coverage and 76% satisfied with the costs of their prescription drugs. In contrast, nearly half (49%) of uninsured respondents cited high expenses as the primary reason for lacking coverage.
Need for Reliable Health Information and Support
In explaining the importance of reliable vaccine safety information and health insurance, experts underscored the role of vaccines in preventing over 30 life-threatening diseases, emphasizing that a strong framework for preventive healthcare is essential in averting future health crises. In response to the findings, health officials urged eligible New Yorkers to seek out assistance from the New York State Department of Health for navigating health coverage options.
This poll sheds light on the ongoing concerns regarding public health readiness and accessibility in New York as residents grapple with the impact of past health crises and prepare for possible future challenges. The combination of concerns about infectious diseases, healthcare affordability, and trust in health policies presents a multifaceted challenge for both policymakers and healthcare providers moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Long Island Business News
- Wikipedia: Public Health
- Perishable News
- Google Search: health crisis preparedness
- Produce Business
- Google News: health care accessibility
- CNYBJ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: health insurance
- Pappas Post
- Google Scholar: healthcare affordability
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
