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KFF Poll: Health Care Costs Are Americans’ Top Economic Worry Heading Into 2026 Midterms

With enhanced ACA subsidies expired, voters expect rising bills and currently place more trust in Democrats to manage coverage costs.

Overview

  • More than four in ten voters say health care costs will have a major impact on both their decision to vote (44%) and which party they support (43%).
  • Independent voters trust Democrats over Republicans to address health care costs by 35% to 15%, with some coverage reporting a double‑digit Democratic edge overall.
  • Two‑thirds say Congress did the wrong thing by letting the ACA’s enhanced tax credits lapse, a change linked to higher premiums for many Marketplace enrollees.
  • A majority (56%) expect health care to become less affordable this year, and costs rank as the top financial worry across Democrats, independents, Republicans and MAGA supporters.
  • KFF researchers and outside reporting note some consumers plan to forgo insurance or switch to cheaper, lower‑coverage plans in response to higher premiums.