Health Care Costs Now Top Financial Worry for U.S. Adults, KFF Poll Finds

Health care affordability has become Americans’ leading financial concern as premiums surge following Congress’s 2025 failure to renew ACA subsidies, according to a KFF poll conducted January 13–20, 2026. Two-thirds of U.S. adults report being very or somewhat worried about medical costs — surpassing concerns over food, housing, or utilities. One-third say they are “very worried.” Over half report higher health expenses in the past year. KFF analyst Shannon Schumacher notes rising out-of-pocket and insurance costs are pushing health care to “top of mind” amid broader inflation pressures. While 76% of Americans say incomes aren’t keeping pace with inflation, 67% disapprove of letting ACA subsidies expire. Some consumers now plan to drop coverage or switch to skimpier plans. Other top worries: food (24% very worried), housing (23%), utilities (22%), and transportation (17%).