Truth About Medical Coverage

September 2025

Many New Yorkers do not believe the United States is prepared for another public health crisis, according to the results of the latest Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” public health poll, sponsored by Four Leaf.

Of the 600 adults who were polled in New York City and on Long Island, 44 percent said they are concerned that the country is unprepared for the next public health crisis, while 40 percent felt it is prepared.

A large majority of New Yorkers are worried about emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases, with 77 percent citing measles, 75 percent bird flu, and 65 percent the new COVID-19 variants as causes for concern.

Other key findings from the public health poll include:

• 67 percent of New Yorkers said they are concerned about affording health care for themselves and their family.
  
• 65 percent said they believe government should play a role in ensuring that everyone has access to affordable health care.
  
• 61 percent said they trust government agencies to make important decisions about vaccines, but fewer (45 percent) trust government agencies to make important decisions about medical research.
  
• Only 38 percent of respondents trust government recommendations to prevent chronic diseases.
  

“It’s not surprising that confidence in whether we are prepared for the next public health crisis has eroded,” said Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau. “Science has become politicized and the divisions we see across the country have an impact. However, health care providers and researchers remain committed to evidence-based study and reporting.” ... read more

• "Truth In Medicine" Poll Press Release
• "Truth In Medicine" Poll Results (PDF)