High Costs Cited as Top Concern in US Healthcare Crisis: Gallup Poll
TL/DR –
A new Gallup poll reveals that nearly a quarter of Americans view the U.S. health care system as in crisis, with high costs cited as the main issue. About 29% of adults consider the cost of care as the biggest health problem in the country, while 23% believe the health care system is either in crisis or has major problems. Roughly 81% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans consider the health care system to be in serious trouble, with cost worries growing faster than concerns about access.
US Health Care System Crisis: High Costs are the Main Concern
Approximately one-quarter of Americans perceive the US health care system as being in a crisis, primarily due to high costs, as per a recent Gallup poll. The study reveals that 29% of adults cite health care cost as the nation’s most pressing health issue, while another 23% expressed that the health care system is in crisis or faces significant problems. These figures represent one of the highest levels of concern ever noted by Gallup.
The poll, which surveyed about 1300 adults from Nov. 3 to Nov. 25, found that 81% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans believe the health care system is in serious trouble. It becomes clear that cost concerns are growing faster than worries about access; many people are finding that they can’t afford to utilize their health insurance, rather than lacking it altogether. “It’s not that they don’t have the plans, they can’t afford the plans,” says Lydia Saad, director of U.S. social research at Gallup.
Potential Health Care Cost Increases Due to Subsidy Expiry
As lawmakers debate over extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, the potential expiration at year’s end could result in average insurance premiums more than doubling, as suggested by estimates from KFF, a health care policy nonprofit. Public concern about health care costs has soared since last year, with Gallup data indicating a rise of 12 percentage points among Democrats and 10 points among Republicans, while concerns among independents remain stable.
Health Care Cost Satisfaction: A Divide Among Americans
A significant divide exists in American views on health care costs; 16% are satisfied with the overall cost of US health care, whereas 57% express satisfaction with their personal healthcare payment. These statistics may reflect apprehension about potential financial distress during a medical emergency. “Even if they’re not having trouble paying for it today, surprise bills could cause serious financial harm,” asserts Liz Hamel, vice president of public opinion research at KFF.
Delayed Medical Care Due to High Costs
A recent KFF survey found that over one-third of Americans have postponed or skipped medical care because of cost. Approximately 20% reported that their health deteriorated as a result. “Health care is a pocketbook issue for people,” Hamel noted, highlighting the importance of health care costs and affordability.
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