Poll Shows Growing Struggle to Afford Health Care, Increasing Concerns Over Inequities Amid Pandemic
As of October, almost one-third of Americans reported skipping medical care in the prior three months due to the costs, compared with 10% in March, according to the West Health-Gallup 2021 Healthcare in America Report. The poll surveyed more than 6,600 American adults. About 23% of people reported that health care costs are a major financial burden for their family, while 90% expected health care costs to continue to increase over the next 12 months. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened almost half of Americans’ views of the health care system, with 60% saying they became more concerned about health care inequities. Regardless of their political affiliation, the majority of Americans reported that a candidate’s plan to reduce health care costs is either a major or a minor priority when determining their vote.
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