Paying for Health Care Emerges as Americans’ Top Financial Concern, KFF Poll Finds
By Megan Cerullo, CBS MoneyWatch Reporter
January 29, 2026 – CBS News
Paying for health care has become the foremost financial worry for Americans, according to a new survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The concern has escalated notably following Congress’s decision last year not to extend certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, resulting in premium spikes for millions of people.
Health Care Costs Outpace Other Financial Concerns
The KFF poll reveals that two-thirds of Americans are "very or somewhat worried" about affording health care, a concern that now eclipses anxiety about other essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, or housing. Among those worried about health care costs, one-third described themselves as "very worried" about paying medical expenses.
Health care expenses encompass a range of costs, including insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and prescription medications. The study found that these costs are rising faster than other household expenses for many Americans, exacerbating financial stress. More than half of U.S. adults reported increased health care costs over the past year.
"KFF has long found health care costs to be a top concern among people regarding household expenses and economic necessities," Shannon Schumacher, senior survey analyst at KFF, told CBS News. "Now, it’s rising to the top. It has truly become top of mind amid rising costs all around and people trying to figure out how to pay for things."
Impact of the Expiration of ACA Subsidies
The failure by Congress to renew enhanced ACA premium subsidies—measures that had helped reduce out-of-pocket insurance costs for many—has contributed significantly to the increase in health care financial strain. The poll showed that approximately two-thirds of respondents disapproved of allowing these subsidies to expire, with a mere one-third supporting their expiration.
Additional KFF research indicates that some Americans are avoiding health insurance altogether, citing the expense of plans without subsidies. Others are opting for less comprehensive, cheaper coverage or seeking employment primarily to access employer-sponsored insurance benefits.
Broader Financial Concerns Amid Widespread Inflation
The KFF findings align with broader economic anxiety in the U.S., as inflation outpaces wage growth. A concurrent CBS News poll found 76% of Americans believe their incomes are not keeping up with inflation. In response to rising financial stress, the Trump administration has proposed measures aiming to reduce consumer costs, including caps on credit card interest rates and efforts to address housing affordability.
While health care tops the list, Americans also expressed significant worries about other essential costs, as outlined by the KFF poll:
- 24% are "very worried" about affording food and groceries
- 23% are anxious about housing costs, including rent and mortgages
- 22% are very concerned about utility bills
- 17% have worry concerning gas and transportation expenses
Survey Methodology
KFF surveyed more than 1,400 U.S. adults between January 13 and January 20, 2026, to gather insights into the public’s financial concerns and attitudes toward health care affordability.
Looking Ahead
As rising health care costs and inflation continue to strain budgets, many Americans face difficult decisions about health coverage and overall financial security. Health policy analysts warn that without renewed or enhanced subsidy programs and broader cost containment measures, these challenges may deepen.
For now, health care expenses rank as the number one financial worry for a majority of Americans, highlighting a critical area for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to ease the economic burdens on U.S. families.
For ongoing coverage of health care affordability and economic issues, visit CBS News MoneyWatch.