Concern over healthcare bills is the primary financial issue for many U.S. voters heading to the polls this November — regardless of partisanship, according to a new study from the nonprofit KFF.
The KFF Health Tracking Poll, which surveyed 1,309 U.S. adults from January 30 to February 7, found that nearly three-fourths of respondents are worried, in particular, over unexpected medical bills (74% of those surveyed) and healthcare service costs (73%). This is more than those who said they are concerned over everyday costs such as gas, utility, food or housing prices, the study shows.
The cost of prescription drugs and monthly health insurance premiums were also big worries for 55% and 48% of respondents, respectively.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Nearly half (48%) of respondents indicated that healthcare costs are "a major reason for their negative views of the economy," the study shows. Overall, two thirds (67%) of voters view the economy negatively, with Republican voters more than twice as likely as Democratic voters to hold such negative views.
The numbers vary slightly between people who are and are not easily able to afford their bills this month, the study shows, but the number remains staggering across the board.
The study comes as the election year kicks off with the race for president looking like a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Obamacare remains popular
The study also found that now, several years after the Trump administration attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — also known as Obamacare — the law remains popular. Half of Americans, including almost a quarter of Republicans (23%) would like to see ACA expanded under the next president's term.
Another 16% would like the ACA to remain as it is, while about 14% are for scaling back the law and 18% would like to see it repealed, the study shows.
"While President Trump has talked about wanting to replace the ACA during his campaign, just 1 in 6 voters (16%) say that he has a plan to do so," according to the study. "Even among Republican voters, just 3 in 10 say that President Trump has a plan to replace the ACA."
Most respondents (67%), including most Republicans (54%), said it is "very important" to keep the law's provision that prohibits insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
However, only 39% were aware that that provision is part of the law. In fact, despite that ACA enrollment hit a record high this year with 21.3 million people signing up for a marketplace, its impact is still not well-known by the public, the study shows.
Other healthcare studies
The KFF study follows a survey late last year by The Commonwealth Fund (CWF) showing that high healthcare costs can cause even the insured to skip care.
The CWF's Controlling Health Care Costs website provides a range of articles and information on healthcare and medical debt issues. These include a policy primer on Medicare Advantage private health insurance plans that explains the ins and outs of signing up for these plans including details on how they differ from traditional Medicare.
RELATED CONTENT
-
How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart ChoiceExplore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans—costs, perks, flexibility, and when going prepaid makes sense.
-
Try This One-Minute Test to Uncover Hidden Health RisksFinding out this little-known fact about your body could reveal your risk of heart disease and more. It's a simple, free check for healthy aging.
-
How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart Choice
Explore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans—costs, perks, flexibility, and when going prepaid makes sense.
-
Try This One-Minute Test to Uncover Hidden Health Risks
Finding out this little-known fact about your body could reveal your risk of heart disease and more. It's a simple, free check for healthy aging.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Biopharmaceutical Senior Manager, 45, MassachusettsEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Social Security Wisdom From a Financial Adviser Receiving Benefits HimselfYou don't know what you don't know, and with Social Security, that can be a costly problem for retirees — one that can last a lifetime.
-
Take It From a Tax Expert: The True Measure of Your Retirement Readiness Isn't the Size of Your Nest EggA sizable nest egg is a good start, but your plan should include two to five years of basic expenses in conservative, liquid accounts as a buffer against market volatility, inflation and taxes.
-
What Is the 1% Deductible Rule in Home Insurance?You could be overpaying for home insurance if your deductible is too low. But going too high can be just as risky. That's where the 1% deductible rule comes in.
-
2026 Social Security COLA is 2.8%: What You Need to KnowThe SSA has announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap, and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits.
