TL/DR –
The cost of healthcare in the US is higher than in any other large, wealthy country, and for the first time in five years, fewer than half of Americans can afford it consistently, according to Gallup. Five million fewer people are enrolled in marketplace plans for 2026 compared to last year, as average premium costs rose about 58%. With healthcare costs becoming a major stress factor for Americans, the issue has become a top voting priority, with most Americans saying they are more likely to vote for candidates in November who will lower their health costs.
Americans Struggling with Rising Healthcare Costs
The soaring cost of healthcare is increasingly unaffordable for Americans. According to the recent Gallup data, less than half of Americans can consistently afford healthcare for the first time in five years. This makes the US the most expensive large, wealthy country for healthcare. Reportedly, five million fewer people are enrolled in marketplace plans for 2026 than last year as average premiums surged about 58%.
Healthcare Costs a Key Issue for Voters
The escalating healthcare cost is a crucial concern for voters, transcending party and geographic lines. A new poll from The Century Foundation reveals that 71% of Democrats, 66% of Republicans, and 75% of rural voters believe that controlling hospital costs is a top priority for policymakers. Similarly, an Ipsos and Axios poll indicates a majority of Americans are more likely to vote for candidates committed to lowering their health costs in the upcoming November elections.
How will Healthcare Costs Impact the Midterms?
The issue of healthcare costs is set to heavily influence the midterms. But, how are Americans dealing with their health costs? For more of our coverage, visit us online. You can listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
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