While grocery bills have soared and living costs continue their steady climb, a new national survey reveals that one financial burden now weighs more heavily on American minds than any other: the escalating expense of health care.
Poll Reveals Health Care as Primary Economic Anxiety
According to recent research from the policy organisation KFF Health, health care has surged to the top of the public's economic concerns in 2026. The comprehensive poll, conducted earlier this month with over 1,400 adult respondents, found that approximately two-thirds of Americans worry about paying for health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Perhaps more strikingly, about one-third of those surveyed reported being "very worried" about their ability to afford health care for themselves and their families. This level of concern significantly outpaces other financial pressures, with just under a quarter expressing similar anxiety about affording food and groceries, rent or mortgage payments, monthly utility bills, or transportation costs.
Political Implications for the 2026 Midterm Elections
These concerns transcend political boundaries, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape in the upcoming midterm elections. KFF pollster Ashley Kirzinger told 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." She added that "the country is looking for someone to take on health care costs."
The data supports this political significance, with more than four in ten respondents stating that health care affordability would have a major impact on their voting decisions this autumn.
The Rising Financial Burden of Medical Care
Although health care has long been a prevalent concern for Americans, it hasn't always occupied the top position in economic anxiety rankings. The poll's findings align with recent data indicating that health care costs are increasing for the majority of the population.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, related spending rose by 7.5 percent between 2022 and 2023, followed by a 7.2 percent increase between 2023 and 2024. These trends have been exacerbated by recent policy changes, including the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits that previously helped millions afford health insurance, along with federal funding cuts for Medicaid implemented in July 2025.
The Human Cost of Unaffordable Care
For households already operating on tight budgets, rising health care costs can lead to severe financial consequences. Medical debt remains one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with devastating effects on financial stability.
Dr. Liz Fowler, a Distinguished Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explained in a recent statement: "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 poll indicates growing pessimism about future affordability, with 56 percent of respondents believing health care costs will become even less manageable. One in five reported that their health care expenses have increased more rapidly than food or utility costs.
Health Consequences of Financial Barriers to Care
The financial strain extends beyond economic hardship to directly impact health outcomes. With approximately 27 million Americans lacking health insurance, and about 20 percent experiencing a major illness or medical expenditure in any given year, many individuals are forced to delay or skip necessary care.
Dr. Gerard Anderson, a professor in Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins, noted that these financial barriers often lead to worse health outcomes as people postpone treatment. The consequences can be fatal, with an estimated 68,000 Americans dying annually due to lack of access to needed health care.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, these findings suggest that health care affordability has transformed from a perennial concern into a primary economic and political issue that could significantly influence both household finances and electoral outcomes across the nation.
