Community Health Access Study

Where coverage stops short.

The Community Health Access Study sample includes 343 respondents across 39 states and Washington, D.C. Findings show where insurance, cost, navigation, trust, and follow-through create barriers to care.

The survey is still open

A nationwide study on how people reach health information and care. The survey takes 15 to 20 minutes and is fully anonymous. Anyone 15 years or older living in the United States is invited to participate.

Take the 15-minute survey
Three things we are learning

What the first 343 respondents told us.

1 in 5
Coverage is not access.

Even employer-insured adults reported being unable to get care they needed in the past year.

41%
Cost is not the only barrier.

Cost shows up most often, but navigation, providers who do not listen, and long appointment waits land close behind.

Beyond coverage
Navigation and follow-through are part of care.

The survey asks about navigation, trust, and follow-through, not insurance status alone.

What we asked

The six areas the survey covers.

Respondent geography

Where early responses are coming from.

The initial sample reflects where early responses are coming from. It should not be interpreted as population prevalence.

343
Respondents
39
States + D.C.
5
Pilot states
By region
By state
    Methodology

    Methodology at a Glance

    Add your voice to the study.

    The survey is open. It takes 15 to 20 minutes and is fully anonymous and voluntary.

    Share your experience
    The survey is still open

    Tell us what you are seeing.

    A nationwide study on how people reach health information and care. The survey takes 15 to 20 minutes and is fully anonymous and voluntary. Anyone 15 years or older living in the United States is invited to participate. You may skip any question after the first section.

    Take the 15-minute survey
    How we handle what you share

    We do not need your diagnosis to understand your access experience. Share only what you are comfortable sharing. JSPHI uses stories and survey responses to identify patterns, barriers, and opportunities for action. We do not sell your information. We do not share personal details without permission.

    Initial findings

    Where the gap shows up.

    Four cuts of the same 343 respondents: insurance type, top barriers, race and ethnicity, and region.

    Respondent geography

    Where early responses are coming from.

    What this shows

    The initial sample includes responses across 39 states and Washington, D.C., with selected pilot states supporting deeper place-based learning. The view below is a respondent-geography sketch, not a literal map of the country.

    343
    Respondents
    39
    States + D.C.
    5
    Pilot focus states
    Each dot represents one respondent Pilot focus states

    Respondent geography reflects the initial sample and should not be interpreted as population prevalence.

    Respondent geography map showing 343 respondents across 39 states and Washington, D.C. Pilot focus states are highlighted.
    Methodology

    Methodology at a Glance

    Sample

    343 working-age adults across 39 states and Washington, D.C., recruited through community-based partners, social platforms, and snowball sampling.

    Timing

    Initial analysis from the 2025 to 2026 Community Health Access Study. Recruitment ran October 2025 to February 2026.

    What it measures

    Insurance type, recent access experiences, barriers to care, geography, identity, and follow-through. Includes open-ended questions in respondents' own words.

    What it does not prove

    Non-random sample, voluntary participation, self-reported coverage. The sample should not be interpreted as population prevalence.

    Explore the data visualizations