Healthcare Costs and Eroding Trust: New Data Reveals American Anxiety in 2026
A new report reveals that a majority of Americans are deeply concerned about the rising cost of healthcare, with a significant erosion of trust in hospitals and the healthcare system overall. The findings, from Jarrard’s 2026 survey titled Navigating the Riptide: Public views on healthcare, health policy, and healthcare organizations, paint a stark picture of financial anxiety and dwindling confidence in the industry’s priorities.
The Jarrard study, conducted in early January 2026 among 1,049 U.S. adults, highlights the pervasive worry surrounding healthcare expenses. Nearly six in ten Americans (59%) express concern about difficulty paying medical bills, while 55% report delaying medical care due to cost. Other significant concerns include inability to afford health insurance (55%), avoiding care due to cost (55%), and having care delayed or denied by insurance (both 55%). More than half (54%) are even cutting back on other household expenditures to pay for insurance, and 51% struggle with the difficulty paying for medications. Losing insurance coverage is a concern for 39% of those surveyed.
This financial strain is fueling a growing perception that hospitals prioritize profits over patients. Four in ten U.S. patients believe hospitals put money “far above” patients, and another 30% share that sentiment. A mere 3% of patients believe hospitals prioritize patient care “far more” than making money, with an additional 9% feeling the balance leans “slightly more” toward profit. This lack of confidence is directly impacting expectations for future care, with only 43% of U.S. patients expressing belief that hospitals will deliver quality care in the years ahead.
Adding to the anxiety, over half of U.S. consumers anticipate negative consequences for the healthcare system stemming from changes to ACA subsidies and Medicaid. Only one in four consumers believe the recent funding adjustments to the Affordable Care Act will have a positive effect on the country.
The data underscores a “formidable challenge” to trust in the U.S. health care system in 2026, according to analysis from Health Populi. However, a clear bright spot emerges: Americans overwhelmingly trust doctors and nurses above all other healthcare stakeholders. Clinicians consistently rank highest in public trust, surpassing health agencies, friends and family, insurance companies, media, pharmaceutical companies, and politicians.
This trust equity represents a significant opportunity for healthcare organizations. Experts recommend leveraging the influence of doctors and nurses – particularly within hospitals, clinics, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical companies – to rebuild confidence and improve communication. The Jarrard report further supports this, revealing that 9 in 10 U.S. consumers expect to hear directly from provider organizations regarding policy changes.
The findings emphasize the critical role of honest and ethical clinicians in representing healthcare institutions and partnering with patients in both communication and care. It’s time to empower and support these trusted professionals to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and restore faith in the system.
