United States of Care’s 2026 People’s Health Care Survey examines Americans’ experiences with health care affordability, access, insurance coverage, and trust in the health care system. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of 2,732 registered voters and follow-up interviews with 41 individuals, the report highlights how rising health care costs affect household financial security.
The findings underscore the connections between health care affordability and the ability to meet basic needs. Twelve percent of respondents reported cutting back on food, housing, or utilities to pay for health care in the past year, while 40% defined affordable care as being able to access medical services without sacrificing essentials such as food, rent, and utilities. These trade-offs highlight how health and well-being are shaped by economic circumstances beyond the health care system itself.
For organizations working at the intersection of food, nutrition, and health, the report offers additional context on the financial pressures that can affect household stability and health equity. While focused primarily on health care access and affordability, its findings reinforce the importance of considering basic needs when developing policies and approaches to improve population health.