Rising Health Care Costs in America: What the 2025 AP-NORC Poll Reveals and How You Can Prepare

As of October 2025, a new AP-NORC poll shows that nearly 60% of Americans are deeply concerned about rising health care costs and potential premium increases for 2026 plans. The data highlights widespread financial anxiety linked to health insurance expenses and medical care accessibility across the United States.

With premiums set to rise and the ACA enhanced subsidies possibly expiring, households and employers alike are facing tough decisions about coverage. Below, we break down what the survey reveals, why it matters, and what steps you can take to manage health care costs in 2026.

💬 Key Insights from the 2025 AP-NORC Survey

Understanding Why Americans Are Worried About Health Care Costs

The AP-NORC survey found that six in ten adults believe their health care costs will rise significantly next year. The biggest concerns include higher insurance premiums, increased prescription drug prices, and hospital billing transparency issues. This finding shows that many households are already struggling with deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses in 2025.

• 60% of respondents expect premiums to increase in 2026.
• 42% say they have delayed medical treatment due to costs.
• 28% are worried about losing coverage if employer plans change.

Insight: This level of concern reflects broader economic pressures as inflation persists and wages stagnate. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. health spending could reach $5 trillion by 2026.

How ACA Subsidy Expiration Could Impact Premiums

The Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire unless Congress extends them into 2026. If these subsidies end, individual market enrollees could see average premium increases of $1,000 to $2,400 per year depending on income and state. Health policy analysts warn that low-income families may drop coverage altogether if costs rise too fast.

• Enhanced ACA credits have kept premiums affordable since 2021.
• Rural states and Southern markets could be hit hardest if support expires.
• Employer-sponsored plans might absorb part of the shock through higher deductibles.

Experience: Many middle-class families report that their health plan choices have shrunk since 2023, especially in Texas and Florida, where market competition is limited.

💡 What Can You Do to Prepare for 2026 Premium Increases?

If you’re renewing a Marketplace plan this fall, compare all options carefully. Check if your state offers a Silver Plan with Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs). Residents in California, New York, and Washington State can also access extra state-funded subsidies that help offset rising costs.

• Review total annual costs (premium + deductible + copay).
• Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA) for tax-free medical spending.
• Ask employers about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and wellness benefits.

Tip: Open Enrollment for 2026 plans starts on November 1, 2025 via HealthCare.gov. Act early to secure your coverage and avoid penalties.

How Employers Are Responding to Health Care Inflation

Corporate benefit teams are also adjusting plans to control rising medical costs. Some companies are offering telemedicine credits or employee wellness incentives to keep usage low. Others are moving to High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs), which reduce monthly premiums but raise out-of-pocket risks.

• Large employers project a 6.5% increase in benefit costs for 2026 (Mercer survey).
• More than 30% plan to expand mental health coverage to retain talent.
• Some firms are partnering with digital health apps to cut clinic visits.

Expert Insight: HR leaders note that workers increasingly expect mental health benefits and transparent pricing—turning health care into a key recruitment tool.

Regional Differences: Which States Face the Highest Increases?

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, states like Florida, Georgia, and Texas are projected to see double-digit premium rises in 2026 if the federal enhancements end. Meanwhile, states such as Massachusetts and California are introducing state-level relief programs to stabilize markets.

Insight: Regional policy innovation remains crucial. States that fund their own subsidies tend to maintain lower average premium growth.

Consumer Voices: What Americans Are Saying

“We love our doctor, but the premiums keep climbing,” says Melissa H., a mother of two from Illinois. “This year our deductible jumped to $8,000. It’s just not sustainable.” Such stories underscore why affordability is now a top voter concern ahead of the 2026 elections.

Economists also note that medical inflation is outpacing overall CPI growth for the first time since 2020, a trend that could reshape public policy debates.

Summary and Takeaway

• 60% of Americans are worried about rising medical costs (AP-NORC Poll 2025).
• ACA subsidy expiration could drive premiums up by $1,000 + per year.
• Employers expect 6–7 % benefit cost growth for 2026.
• State responses vary — California and New York offering extra relief.
• Consumers should review plans and enroll early for maximum savings.

FAQ: Common Questions About U.S. Health Care Costs in 2025–2026

How much will average U.S. health insurance premiums increase in 2026?

Analysts project average increases between 7 % and 12 %, depending on state and plan type. Households losing ACA enhancements could face larger spikes.

When does the 2026 Open Enrollment period begin?

Open Enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15 nationwide, but some states like California and New York extend their deadlines by two weeks.

Can employers help offset premium increases for workers?

Yes. Many companies are expanding wellness credits and Flexible Spending Accounts to ease out-of-pocket burdens for employees.

What government resources help compare health plans?

Visit HealthCare.gov or your state Marketplace portal to review coverage tiers and premium subsidy options.

Will medical inflation affect prescription drug prices too?

Yes, prescription costs are expected to rise by around 5 % in 2026 due to supply-chain pressures and patent expirations for major brands.

Sources: AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research (2025 Poll), Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF Data 2025), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Reports.