A survey was taken towards determining the level of satisfaction among Israelis and their kupot cholim (HMOs). The survey was conducted by the Brookdale Institute for The Marker. The poll was taken from August to December 2016, interviewing 2,513 Israelis in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian. 68% of those contacted responded.

According to the survey, 89% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the serve they receive and 63% expressed a similar sentiment with the overall healthcare system in Israel. 44% of the tzibur feel they received the best possible and most beneficial care from when they had a serious illness.

Most respondents, 90%, use the services offered by kupot cholim and have turned to their family doctor during the past years while for 35% [of which half is 65 and older], the visit was only to have forms completed and not to address a medical issue.

31% of respondents are confident they will be able to deal with the financial component of care when required. Nevertheless, in recent years, there has been a decline in the number of people who bypassed medical care and/or pharmaceuticals for financial reasons (9% in 2016 as compared to 11% in 2014).

Regarding dental care, there is even a greater decline in the number of people forgoing care due to financial concerns (25% in 2014 down to 18% in 2016).

The lowest level of trust is seen concerning the nation’s hospitals. Only 46% expressed a high level of trust and only 41% of respondents stated they believe insurance companies will perform effectively.

Satisfaction also drop significantly when it comes to addressing waiting time for a doctor and an appointment with a specialist. 27% of respondents have decided to forgo medical care because of waiting time. One in every four appointments with a specialist made via the kupat cholim waited over a month [and 70% have also given up an appointment]. Despite this, there is a reduction in private visits to specialist [19% as compared to 26% in 2014].

Health Minister Yaakov Litzman responded, stated that while on one hand there is a high level of satisfaction being expressed regarding kupot cholim there is work to be done. He is especially pleased to see fewer people are forgoing dental care as a result of the reform he was responsible in implementing. Litzman hopes to continue implementing reforms towards continued improvement in all aspects of the nation’s healthcare system.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)