As 2026 approaches, a growing sense of unease is taking hold across the country—one centered not on politics or the economy alone, but on something far more personal: the rising cost of health care. A recent national survey shows that nearly half of U.S. adults now fear they will be unable to afford needed medical care in the coming year. This marks the highest level of worry recorded since these trends began being measured several years ago, and it signals that health-care affordability has become one of the defining stress points in American life.
At its core, this anxiety stems from a simple truth: people are worried that no matter how hard they work or how carefully they plan, the cost of staying healthy may outpace what they can reasonably afford. For many, this fear has moved from the background to the forefront of daily thought. It influences decisions about seeking care, managing finances, and even planning for the future.
The Growing Burden of Cost
When nearly half of adults express concern about affording their health care, it reflects more than just rising insurance premiums. It reflects an entire landscape where deductibles are higher, prescription costs feel unpredictable, and even routine care can trigger significant out-of-pocket expenses. Many Americans feel they are one unexpected diagnosis away from financial strain.
This worry does not only impact those without insurance. Even individuals with employer-sponsored coverage or marketplace plans are increasingly nervous about the true cost of using their insurance. High deductibles and narrow networks often mean that coverage on paper does not equal affordability in practice.
The result? People delay doctor visits, postpone tests, or skip medications entirely—not because they don’t value their health, but because they fear the bill that may follow.
Why This Moment Matters
The rising anxiety about health care is more than a personal struggle. It’s a signal about the health-care system as a whole. When such a large portion of the country expresses fear about something as essential as medical care, it points to a system under significant strain.
It also affects workplaces. Employers see the impact in lowered productivity, increased stress, and shifting expectations about benefit offerings. For small businesses in particular, decisions around health insurance become more complicated as employees seek not just coverage, but clarity and predictability in what that coverage truly costs.
Key Drivers Behind the Anxiety
Several forces are converging to amplify these concerns:
- Higher out-of-pocket exposure: Deductibles, co-pays, and cost-sharing have steadily risen over the past decade.
- General economic pressure: Inflation and higher living costs make medical expenses feel heavier, even when they haven’t drastically increased.
- Increased awareness of medical debt: Many Americans know someone who has struggled with bills, collections, or unexpected charges—reinforcing the perception that it could happen to them.
- Uncertainty about coverage: Even well-insured individuals sometimes feel unsure about what is covered, what isn’t, and what the final cost will be.
All of this contributes to a climate where people feel vulnerable. Health-care expenses have become something individuals plan around with the same caution they use for major financial decisions like home repairs or car purchases.
The Implications for Individuals and Businesses
For individuals, this growing anxiety reinforces the importance of understanding their health plan—not just the premium, but the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and the cost of common services. For small businesses, the concerns of employees can influence hiring, retention, and overall morale.
In the benefits world, this moment highlights the value of communication and education. When employees understand how to navigate their plans and what costs to expect, it can reduce fear and lead to better use of benefits. For brokers and employers alike, being a guide—not just a provider of plan options—has become more essential than ever.
Looking Ahead
As the country moves toward 2026, the anxiety surrounding health-care costs is unlikely to fade on its own. Instead, it will require thoughtful action from insurers, employers, policymakers, and advisors who help people navigate an increasingly complex system.
But there is an opportunity here as well. Rising concern opens the door for better conversations about transparency, cost-effective coverage options, and ways to help individuals feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
Health care will always involve costs. But with better guidance, clearer information, and more proactive planning, it doesn’t have to involve this level of fear.