With 2026 midterm elections around the corner, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are concerned about affording healthcare, according to an April 29 KFF poll.
The survey canvassed 1,343 U.S. adults, of whom 1,107 were registered to vote.
Here are six notes from the poll:
1. The share of adults concerned about healthcare affordability parallels the amount of U.S. adults worried about gas and transportation costs, which is also 64%.
2. When asked about steps health insurers could take, nearly one-half of adults said lowering out-of-pocket costs would be their top priority. Twenty-two percent said eliminating prior authorization, and 12% said more flexibility with choosing providers.
3. Roughly 9 out of 10 voters said healthcare costs will influence their approach to 2026 midterms. The majority of Democrats and independents said these costs will inform which party’s candidate they support.
4. Thirty-seven percent of voters trust the Democratic party on healthcare costs, whereas only 26% believe in the Republican party’s ability to address the issue. Less than half of voters support the Trump administration’s approaches to healthcare and prescription drug costs.
5. However, Republicans are more trusted than Democrats when it comes to addressing fraud and waste in government health programs.
6. Many voters do not trust either party on most healthcare-related issues, though.
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