TL/DR –
A Gallup poll reveals that almost 25% of Americans believe the U.S. health care system is in crisis, largely due to high costs. The survey of around 1,300 adults found that 29% view the cost of care as the country’s most significant health issue. It also revealed that the issue transcends political lines, with 81% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans stating the system is in serious trouble.
New Poll Suggests US Health Care System in Crisis Due to High Costs
According to a recent poll, approximately one in four Americans believe that high costs are plunging the U.S. health care system into crisis. Gallup Inc. data reveals that 29% of adults identify the cost of care as the main health issue the country faces. Further, 23% stated that the health system is either in crisis or has major problems, amongst the highest levels Gallup has ever noted.
Surveyed between Nov. 3 and Nov. 25, the poll involved around 1,300 adults and has an error margin of +/- three percent. Approximately 81% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans voiced serious concerns about the health care system. Notably, cost worries are escalating faster than access concerns. Many people now assert that their problem is not insurance absence, but insurance affordability.
Affordable Care Act Subsidies in Question
Recently, lawmakers debated over extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. If these subsidies expire at year’s end, average insurance premiums could more than double, based on KFF estimates, a nonprofit investigating health care policy. Public apprehension about health care costs has soared since last year, with Gallup finding a 12 percentage-point surge among Democrats and a 10-point increase among Republicans.
Interestingly, Gallup found a continued divide among Americans’ perception of health care costs. Only 16% expressed satisfaction with the overall cost of U.S. health care, while 57% were satisfied with their personal costs. This disparity possibly highlights fears about potential medical emergencies.
A Third of Americans Delay or Skip Medical Care Due to Cost
A recent KFF survey found that over a third of Americans had postponed or avoided medical care due to cost, with about one in five reporting their health deteriorated consequently.
If you’re interested in further information, see more on health care costs and affordability from KFF.
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