Do Americans worry more about the cost of health care or inflation? The answer may not surprise you

April 27, 2023

Inflation is no longer Americans’ No. 1 concern, according to a new national survey conducted in early March 2023 and reported by CBS News.

Now Americans are losing more sleep over worries about paying for health care. For the first time since 2021, health ranked as the No. 1 concern for 35% of middle-income households.

Inflation was still a top concern for 32%, with 21% worried about a recession and 25% worried about paying for food and groceries.

The survey, conducted March 6-March 10 by the financial services provider Primerica, collected data from more than 1,400 households with annual incomes between $30,000 and $100,000. While more than half of the respondents said they remain pessimistic about the economy as a whole, 20% said they are “slightly more optimistic” about their personal finances.

Health care expenses don’t always make it to the top of the list of concerns facing American households, but medical and pharmaceutical costs have long been a stressor for many families struggling to manage their finances.

A July 2022 survey from the Kaiser Family Health Foundation, found 4 in 10 U.S. adults had delayed or gone without medical care the past year due to cost concerns. Roughly 40% of adults report going into debt due to medical or dental bills.

Consumers responding to a Voices for Affordable Health Spring Survey also shared cost concerns.

“I am putting off follow-ups for my high blood pressure, heart and other things because of costs,” said John in Washington State.

It’s not too late for you to weigh in on the Voices cost survey. You’ll find it here.