Rising Health Care Costs Top Americans’ Economic Concerns in 2026

A new poll reveals that health care costs have emerged as the most pressing economic concern for Americans in 2026. Conducted by the policy organization KFF Health, the survey indicates that approximately two-thirds of over 1,400 adults worry about the affordability of health insurance and out-of-pocket health care expenses. This concern far surpasses worries about grocery bills, rent, or utility costs.

The poll, conducted earlier this month, found that around one-third of respondents reported being “very worried” about their ability to pay for health care for themselves and their families. In contrast, less than a quarter expressed similar concerns regarding their ability to afford food and groceries or housing expenses. These findings suggest that health care affordability could significantly influence voter behavior in the upcoming midterm elections, according to Ashley Kirzinger, a pollster with KFF.

Health Care Affordability Shifts Political Priorities

Kirzinger noted, “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 respondents indicated that health care costs would have a major impact on their voting decisions. This shift highlights a growing urgency around health care issues, which have traditionally not ranked as the top concern.

Rising health care expenses further underscore this trend. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, related spending increased by 7.5 percent from 2022 to 2023, and by 7.2 percent from 2023 to 2024. Compounding these issues, tax credits from the Affordable Care Act, which helped millions afford health insurance, expired last month, alongside federal funding cuts for Medicaid, a program that supports nearly 70 million individuals.

The KFF poll reveals that 56 percent of respondents anticipate health care costs will become even less affordable, while one in five reported that their health care expenses are increasing more quickly than costs for food or utilities. This trend poses severe challenges for households already facing financial strain, with medical debt being a primary contributor to personal bankruptcy in the United States.

Consequences of Rising Medical Expenses

Dr. Liz Fowler, a Distinguished Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, stated, “An estimated 60 percent to 65 percent of personal bankruptcies are tied to unpaid medical bills.” She emphasized that medical debt can also lead to reduced credit ratings, further complicating financial situations for affected families.

The repercussions of rising health care costs extend beyond personal finance. Currently, approximately 27 million Americans lack health insurance, and around 20 percent will experience significant medical expenses or illness in a given year. This situation often leads individuals to postpone necessary care, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Dr. Gerard Anderson, a professor in Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins, highlighted that about 68,000 Americans die each year due to insufficient access to essential health care services.

As health care affordability continues to dominate public concern in 2026, it is clear that this issue will play a critical role in shaping voter priorities and decisions in the upcoming electoral landscape.