Anxiety Peaks as Americans Brace for Unaffordable Healthcare by 2026
As the nation approaches 2026, Americans are facing unprecedented anxiety over healthcare costs. A new West Health-Gallup survey reveals that a staggering 47% of adults fear they will be unable to afford healthcare in the coming year. This marks the highest level of concern since the survey’s inception in 2021.
Rising Healthcare Costs: A Escalating Concern
The survey highlights a steady climb in worries over prescription drug costs, with numbers rising from 30% in 2021 to 37% in 2025. These growing concerns have nearly doubled the number of individuals experiencing “a lot of stress” due to healthcare costs in daily life.
Delaying or skipping medical care is now a reality for roughly 1 in 3 adults, pointing to the severe financial strain on many. “The survey shows health care affordability isn’t just a political debate, it’s a problem many people are experiencing now,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF.
A Nation Divided: Healthcare Experiences by State
While states like Iowa, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island boast positive reports where residents find it easier to afford necessary care, states such as Texas, Nevada, and Alaska struggle with healthcare accessibility. Top-ranked states still face their own challenges, with about 15% unable to pay for prescription drugs in the past three months.
The Political Arena: Healthcare at the Forefront
The health costs issue has found its way into the political arena, as Senate Democrats and the Trump administration clash on solutions to temper these rising concerns. Efforts to extend ACA subsidies face opposition, and Medicaid work requirements on the horizon in 2027 add to the tension. “The urgency around this is real,” observed Timothy Lash, president of West Health.
Potential Solutions and Future Outlook
Questions linger as to what will come of ACA tax credits and Medicaid work requirements. Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, hinted that these findings might put added pressure on Congress to act. As stated in NBC News, the public’s anxiety over access to affordable healthcare could intensify, calling for decisive action.
The crux of the issue remains: Americans demand a healthcare system that meets their needs without the looming fear of insurmountable costs. Health care is not what it needs to be right now. For many, it’s a simple calculation — they’re paying too much and getting too little in return.
For a nation on edge, health is top of mind as the clock ticks towards an uncertain 2026.
