Health Care Costs Surge as Top Economic Concern for Americans

Concerns over health care costs are now eclipsing other financial worries for Americans, according to a recent survey conducted by the policy organization KFF Health. The poll, which surveyed over 1,400 adults earlier this month, reveals that approximately two-thirds of respondents express anxiety about affording health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. This marks a significant shift in public sentiment as rising grocery bills and housing costs continue to strain household budgets.

The survey results indicate that about one-third of participants are “very worried” about their ability to afford health care for themselves and their families. In contrast, less than 25 percent reported similar concerns regarding essentials such as food, rent, utilities, and transportation.

Health Care Affordability Influences Voter Sentiment

The growing anxiety surrounding health care costs is expected to have implications for the upcoming midterm elections, according to Ashley Kirzinger, a KFF pollster. Kirzinger stated in an interview with The Washington Post that “health care is normally thought of as a second-tier issue, but this year it seems that health care affordability is going to move voters.” More than 40 percent of those surveyed indicated that health care would significantly influence their voting decisions.

Historically, health care has been a consistent concern for Americans, but it has not always ranked as the foremost issue. This year’s shift is underscored by data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which reported a 7.5 percent increase in health care spending between 2022 and 2023, followed by a further 7.2 percent rise from 2023 to 2024. Such figures emphasize the urgency of the situation as many households grapple with financial instability.

Widespread Impact of Rising Health Care Costs

The expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits last month, which had helped millions of Americans afford health insurance, combined with federal funding cuts for Medicaid in July 2025, has further exacerbated the crisis. Medicaid provides essential support to nearly 70 million individuals, and these changes are likely to push even more families into financial distress.

The poll highlights that 56 percent of respondents anticipate health care costs becoming even less affordable in the near future. Additionally, one in five individuals reported that their health care expenses have escalated more rapidly than their costs for food or utilities. For families already facing tight budgets, this financial strain could lead to dire consequences, including increased medical debt, which is a leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States.

Dr. Liz Fowler, a distinguished scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “An estimated 60 percent to 65 percent of personal bankruptcies are tied to unpaid medical bills, and it’s also a cause for reduced credit ratings.” The implications of these financial burdens are far-reaching.

Moreover, the lack of health insurance remains a critical concern in the U.S., with an estimated 27 million Americans currently uninsured. Dr. Gerard Anderson, a professor in Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins, noted that around 20 percent of people in the country will face a significant illness or medical expenditure each year. This reality often leads individuals to delay seeking care, ultimately resulting in poorer health outcomes. Alarmingly, approximately 68,000 Americans die annually due to a lack of access to necessary health care services.

The rising prominence of health care costs as a primary concern reflects a growing urgency among Americans, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address this critical issue. As voters prepare for the midterm elections, it is clear that candidates will need to prioritize health care affordability to resonate with the electorate.