Paying for Health Care Tops Americans’ Financial Worries, KFF Poll Finds
By Megan Cerullo
CBS News MoneyWatch
January 29, 2026
Paying for health care has emerged as Americans’ foremost financial concern, according to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The poll reveals that for the first time, worries about affording medical expenses have surpassed other household costs such as groceries, utilities, and housing.
Health Care Costs Spike Following Subsidy Expiration
This shift in financial stress follows Congress’s failure last year to extend key Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. As a result, millions of Americans have faced sharp increases in their health insurance premiums. The KFF survey shows that two-thirds of Americans express that they are very or somewhat worried about paying for health care, with one-third describing themselves as “very worried.” These health care costs encompass insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and prescription drug prices.
More than half of U.S. adults reported that their health care costs rose in the past year—a rate higher than increases in other essential living expenses. "KFF has long found that health care costs are a top concern for people when it comes to household expenses and economic necessities,” said Shannon Schumacher, senior survey analyst at KFF. “We’re now seeing it rise to the top. It’s really become top of mind amid rising costs all around and people trying to figure out how to pay for things.”
Broader Financial Worries Amid Economic Pressures
The survey also highlights widespread financial anxiety beyond health care. While no other concern matched the prominence of medical expenses, many Americans remain worried about affording essential needs:
- Food and groceries: 24% report being very worried
- Housing—rent or mortgage: 23% very worried
- Utilities: 22% very worried
- Gas and transportation costs: 17% very worried
The rising cost of living is exacerbating fears across many fronts. A concurrent CBS News poll found that 76% of Americans feel their incomes are not keeping pace with inflation.
Congressional Response and Public Sentiment
Most Americans disapprove of Congress’s decision to allow the ACA’s enhanced subsidies to lapse, with two-thirds stating that Congress made the “wrong” choice. About one-third support the expiration of the subsidies.
The lack of subsidies is causing some consumers to consider forgoing health insurance altogether due to expense. Others are opting for less comprehensive but more affordable plans or seeking employment that provides health coverage. “These shifts highlight the financial trade-offs consumers face,” said Schumacher.
In response to continuing economic pressures, the current administration has proposed policies aimed at reducing costs, including capping credit card interest rates and tackling rising housing prices. Whether such measures will alleviate Americans’ financial burdens remains to be seen.
Survey Details
KFF surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. adults between January 13 and January 20, 2026. The findings paint a stark picture of the mounting financial stress Americans face as they struggle to manage health care expenses alongside other basic needs.
For more insights into the evolving health care landscape and personal finance challenges, continue following coverage on CBS News MoneyWatch.
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