Overview
- Nearly half of adults (47%) say they worry they won’t be able to afford care next year, the highest level since tracking began in 2021.
- One in five Americans report being unable to pay for prescriptions in the past three months, and roughly one-third delayed or skipped care because of cost.
- State experiences diverge sharply, with Iowa, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Rhode Island ranking highest and Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and Alaska at the bottom.
- Access barriers are widespread: 55% cite long wait times, 25% say they didn’t know how to find a provider, and 15% report transportation prevented or delayed care.
- Respondents graded the system a C overall and a D+ on cost, and experts say the findings heighten pressure on Congress as enhanced ACA premium tax credits face a Dec. 31 expiration.