Record anxiety over medical costs gives Democrats their opening

Americans are bracing for a health care system they increasingly feel is failing them. A new survey from West Health and Gallup finds anxiety over impending medical costs at its highest point since the firms began tracking these concerns four years ago—a sign that health care may once again define a midterm cycle.

For the Democratic Party, the numbers offer something close to validation. During the GOP’s government shutdown, Democrats worked to shore up and extend protections, while Republicans pushed to unwind them. This survey suggests voters noticed, and that the issue isn’t going away.

Almost half of adults—47%—are worried they won’t be able to afford health care next year. That’s the largest share since 2021. Anxiety over prescription drugs has climbed, too, from 30% in 2021 to 37%