Dive Brief:
- Nearly 4 in 5 U.S. adults said either high insurance premiums or out-of-pocket spending were the most important problem in the healthcare system, according to a Commonwealth Fund survey released Thursday.
- Affordability concerns crossed party and coverage lines. Premiums were the top problem for 45% of Republicans, 44% of Democrats and 42% of independents, while more than 8 in 10 adults with employer, individual or marketplace coverage — as well as uninsured adults — said either premiums or out-of-pocket costs were the biggest issue.
- Still, according to the survey, Americans are split over who’s best to tackle the problem. Most respondents said the federal government is best suited to solve high healthcare prices, while Republicans were more likely to say insurance companies were best to address the issue.
Dive Insight:
The survey, which polled 25,873 adults from May 4 through May 26, shows that Americans broadly agree high healthcare costs are a bipartisan problem. Premiums were the leading concern among adults, followed by concerns over deductibles, copayments and other costs incurred when receiving care or filling prescriptions.
Respondents differed along some party lines over who should solve high health costs, like premiums. Sixty-five percent of Democrats, 49% of independents and 36% of Republicans said the federal government was the best suited to solve the issue of high premiums, while 40% of Republicans chose insurers compared to 19% of Democrats.
The distinction matters: The survey asked respondents which institution was best able to solve the problem, not which specific policy they supported. The results therefore do not establish bipartisan backing for subsidies, price regulation, changes to benefit design or any other remedy.
The survey findings come amid a sharp rise in what consumers pay for coverage. After enhanced federal subsidies expired last year, average out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace plans rose 58% in 2026.
Separately, 48% of large employers told Mercer they expect to make plan changes that increase workers’ out-of-pocket spending next year.
