U.S. Adults Express Concern Over Rising Health Care Costs

A recent poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that a significant majority of U.S. adults are anxious about the increasing costs of health care. As many prepare to select health coverage for the upcoming year, approximately 60% of Americans report being “extremely” or “very” concerned about health care expenses rising in the next year. This worry spans all age groups, affecting both insured and uninsured individuals.

The survey highlights a broader apprehension regarding health care access. Around 40% of respondents expressed serious concerns about their ability to afford necessary health care or medications. Many are also anxious about losing health insurance or not being able to access care when they need it. With open enrollment periods for various health plans approaching in November, these worries are particularly pronounced for Medicare beneficiaries and others evaluating their options.

Federal policies have left millions of Americans vulnerable to potential spikes in health insurance premiums or the loss of coverage altogether. Latoya Wilson, a nurse consultant based in Lafayette, Louisiana, is among those feeling the strain. Currently enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Wilson has applied for more jobs in the past two weeks than she ever has before, primarily due to fears of rising premiums and a desire for the security of employer-sponsored insurance. “Even before these health care cuts came into play, I was already having a significant issue getting the care that I needed this year,” she stated. “Anything worse than what I already have is pretty scary.”

Political Climate Heightens Health Care Concerns

Health care remains a pivotal issue for Americans, especially as it takes center stage in the political arena. Approximately 80% of U.S. adults view health care as “extremely” or “very” important. This sentiment is shared by 90% of Democrats and about 75% of Republicans, positioning health care alongside the economy as a top priority for voters.

The political stakes are elevated following the passage of a significant federal bill this summer that cuts more than $1 trillion from health care and food assistance over the next decade. These cuts primarily involve imposing work requirements on those receiving aid, as well as shifting certain federal costs to states. Republicans assert that these measures will deter individuals who do not require aid from exploiting the system. However, projections from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office indicate that millions could lose their health insurance coverage as a result.

Amidst ongoing negotiations, a congressional deadlock over Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire this year, has contributed to a government shutdown that has persisted for over three weeks. Democratic lawmakers insist that any funding bill must include an extension of these subsidies, which have made premiums more affordable for millions. Although some Republicans have indicated a willingness to negotiate, they maintain that discussions will only occur after the government reopens.

Many Americans are skeptical regarding the federal government’s commitment to addressing their health care concerns. Caleb Richter, a 30-year-old certified nursing assistant in Belleville, Wisconsin, voiced his frustrations, stating, “It is the federal government’s job to provide a better way of life for its people. Right now, it just feels like they’re not trying.”

The poll indicates a stark ideological divide regarding the government’s role in health care. While approximately 80% of Democrats believe it is the government’s responsibility to ensure all Americans have health coverage, only about one-third of Republicans share this view.

Trust in Political Parties on Health Care Issues

The AP-NORC poll also reveals that health care remains a notable weakness for President Donald Trump, with only about 30% of U.S. adults approving of his management of health care issues. This approval rating has not seen significant changes since September. The disapproval spans across political lines, with nearly all Democrats expressing dissatisfaction, as well as around 80% of independents and one-third of Republicans.

Opinions on health care also differ widely between political affiliations. Approximately 40% of U.S. adults trust Democrats more on health care, whereas about 25% express greater trust in Republicans. A quarter of respondents trust neither party, while 10% trust both equally. Among independents, roughly half indicate a lack of trust in either party regarding health care, although the remaining independents tend to lean toward trusting Democrats more.

Richter articulated a desire for Congress to invest more in hospital staff capable of assisting patients effectively. He expressed willingness to support higher taxes if it meant providing necessary health care for those in need. However, he lamented that lawmakers seem more engaged in conflict than in working toward solutions, stating, “My faith that something will get done is very, very low at this point. It just feels like they don’t really care.”

The AP-NORC poll, which surveyed 1,289 adults from October 9 to 13, indicates a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The results underscore the growing anxiety among Americans regarding health care costs and access, as well as a pressing need for political action.