Health Care: The Leading Financial Anxiety for Americans

Health Care: America's Most Pressing Financial Challenge

Paying for health care has become Americans' top financial worry after Congress failed last year to extend some Affordable Care Act subsidies, triggering premium spikes for millions. Two-thirds of Americans say they are very or somewhat worried about affording health care, outranking concerns about groceries, utilities, or housing costs, according to a poll from the health policy research firm KFF.

Widespread Concern Over Expenses

Among those, one-third described themselves as very worried about paying for medical expenses. Health care costs include paying for health insurance, covering out-of-pocket expenses, and prescription drug costs. Health care is driving Americans' financial worries because these costs are rising faster than other categories of expenses for a substantial share of the population, the study found.

Increasing Financial Pressure on Households

• More than half of U.S. adults say their health care costs increased in the past year.
• Status of ACA subsidies remains a significant factor in health care affordability.
• The financial burden is creating anxiety for families across the country.

These trends indicate that health care continues to be a growing financial strain, pushing families to reconsider budget priorities and financial planning.