Poll: 90% in U.S. fear drugmakers will exploit COVID-19 crisis

June 19 (UPI) -- Almost 90 percent of Americans say they're concerned the drug industry will exploit the coronavirus pandemic in some way for profit that will drive up costs, according to a survey.

Gallup and West Health said research shows nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults share that concern. Fifty-five percent said they're "very" concerned and 33 percent are "somewhat" worried.

The survey was taken in the first half of May.

"In addition to concerns over rising drug prices, Americans are also concerned -- to a somewhat lesser extent -- about rising health insurance premiums and the cost of care generally," Gallup wrote. "Overall, 79 percent are very or somewhat concerned about their health insurance premiums rising and 84 percent are 'very' or 'somewhat concerned' about the cost of care generally rising, with 41 percent 'very' concerned about each."

Concern about rising drug prices crossed all economic sectors. Fifty-seven percent of those making less than $40,000 said they're "very" concerned, along with 51 percent who make $40,000 to $100,000 and 56 percent with earnings over $100,000.

Fifty-seven percent of women said they're "very" concerned, along with 52 percent of men.

Politically, 66 percent of Democrats and 49 percent of Republicans shared the highest level of concern.

More than 1,000 U.S. adults were polled for the survey, which has a margin of error between 4 and 7 points.