The High Cost of Health Care: A Summary of Recent KFF Polling Data

The high cost of health care continues to be a major concern for many Americans, according to the latest polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The data reveals that about half of U.S. adults find it difficult to afford health care costs, with one in four reporting problems paying for care in the past year.

The burden of health care costs is particularly felt by younger adults, those with lower incomes, adults in fair or poor health, and the uninsured. In fact, one in four adults say they have skipped or postponed getting health care they needed because of the cost, with six in ten uninsured adults citing cost as the reason for forgoing care.

Prescription drug costs are also a significant concern, with one in five adults reporting not filling a prescription due to cost. Additionally, about one in four adults have health care debt, with disproportionate shares of Black and Hispanic adults, women, parents, those with low incomes, and uninsured adults carrying this burden.

The data also shows that worries about affording health care services and unexpected medical bills are pervasive among the public, regardless of financial situation. Many adults say they would not be able to pay an unexpected medical bill of $500 out of pocket, highlighting the financial vulnerability faced by many Americans.

Overall, the latest KFF polling data underscores the urgent need for solutions to address the high cost of health care in the United States. As health care affordability remains a top priority for the public and a key issue in the upcoming 2024 election, it is clear that action is needed to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and quality health care.