A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that health care has emerged as the top priority for Americans as they look toward the government in 2026. The findings highlight growing concerns over health care costs, especially among older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Julia Dvorak, a 56-year-old resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is among those feeling the financial strain. She is worried that her 83-year-old mother’s frequent emergency room visits for seizures are depleting her retirement savings and could soon necessitate a shift to Medicaid. Dvorak, who also contends with a chronic knee condition, anticipates her own health expenses to rise significantly next year. “I see how it affects me and my loved ones,” she stated, emphasizing the worsening situation for many Americans.
The poll indicates that nearly 40% of U.S. adults identified health care as a primary concern when asked to list up to five issues they want the government to address. This marks an increase from approximately one-third of respondents last year. The heightened focus on health care aligns with mounting frustrations over rising costs, especially after significant cuts to Medicaid and the cessation of pandemic-related subsidies for the Affordable Care Act under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Shifting political dynamics may play a role in the upcoming midterm elections, with health care likely to be a focal point. The poll suggests that overall confidence in the government’s ability to tackle pressing issues has declined, with about 66% of U.S. adults expressing low confidence in governmental progress, up from 58% a year prior.
Economic concerns, particularly inflation and the high cost of living, also remain significant. Tommy Carosone, a 44-year-old jet aircraft mechanic from St. Peter’s, Missouri, voiced his frustrations about grocery prices, stating, “Every time my wife comes home from the grocery store, I hear about it. It’s stupid expensive, especially meat.” Carosone, who supports Trump’s tariff agenda, anticipates that prices will remain elevated until trade tensions are resolved.
The demand for affordable housing is another issue gaining traction, particularly among younger adults. Approximately 20% of respondents indicated that housing costs should be a priority for the federal government. Among those under 30, this concern rises to about 25%.
Immigration policy continues to be a topic of concern, although its prominence appears to be shifting. Last year, about half of U.S. adults prioritized immigration, but this year that figure has dropped to 44%. Notably, the percentage of Democrats expressing concern over immigration has increased, while Republican interest has waned.
Roxanna Holper, a 64-year-old Minnesota resident, reflects a nuanced view of immigration, acknowledging concerns about the current administration’s approach while criticizing past failures from both parties to effectively manage immigration issues. “What the hell — who are we as a society that we would treat anybody like that?” she questioned, referring to reports of family separations at the border.
The AP-NORC poll, conducted from December 4 to 8, 2023, surveyed 1,146 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. As the political landscape evolves and the 2026 elections approach, health care and economic concerns are likely to dominate discussions among voters, shaping the priorities for government action in the years to come.
