LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) as Left-Center biased based on its emphasis on equity, LGBTQ+ health, and social justice issues within a factual, data-driven framework. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to transparent funding, reliance on peer-reviewed studies, and consistent use of credible primary data sources.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-2.3)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (0.7)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO), founded in 2003, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank focused on improving health outcomes and promoting data-informed public policy throughout the state. The organization conducts research and analysis on various issues, including health equity, Medicaid, behavioral health, and healthcare spending. HPIO’s mission is to promote evidence-informed policies that enhance health, achieve equity, and ensure sustainable healthcare costs in Ohio.
Read our profile on the United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
HPIO receives financial support from a mix of philanthropic foundations and major healthcare entities. Core funders include the Cleveland Foundation, bi3, Mt. Sinai Health Foundation, CareSource, and the George Gund Foundation, while event sponsors and project partners include large insurance companies such as Aetna, Anthem BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana (Funders page). While this diversified funding supports HPIO’s operational stability, the significant presence of corporate healthcare funders could exert indirect influence on its research priorities or framing—particularly regarding cost efficiency and market-based solutions. However, HPIO maintains transparency regarding funding sources and openly publishes its financial supporters.
Analysis / Bias
HPIO’s publications focus on data-driven research rather than opinion-based commentary. Its policy explainer on the federal health insurance marketplace provides an objective overview of ACA subsidy impacts without political framing, citing official federal data. Similarly, the child and youth mental health report uses verified statistics from state and national sources, emphasizing factual presentation of disparities among low-income and LGBTQ+ youth.
The addition of “Peer-reviewed study links state anti-trans laws to increased suicide attempts among trans teens” demonstrates the organization’s clear progressive orientation on social issues. The article summarizes academic research that connects restrictive gender policies to adverse mental health outcomes among transgender youth. It cites peer-reviewed data, maintaining factual rigor, but its editorial framing aligns with a socially liberal perspective that emphasizes equality and the protection of marginalized populations.
HPIO’s work consistently promotes policy approaches that address structural inequities, racism, and discrimination, aligning it moderately with progressive health advocacy. Nonetheless, its strict reliance on empirical evidence, governmental data, and peer-reviewed studies supports its reputation for balanced, high-quality analysis.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) as Left-Center biased based on its emphasis on equity, LGBTQ+ health, and social justice issues within a factual, data-driven framework. We also rate them High for factual reporting due to transparent funding, reliance on peer-reviewed studies, and consistent use of credible primary data sources. (D. Van Zandt 11/12/2025)
Source: https://www.healthpolicyohio.org/
Last Updated on November 12, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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