Voters are concerned as healthcare costs increase. Here are some possible causes
Summary
Healthcare costs are a major concern for voters ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, with insurance premiums, deductibles and prescription drug spending all rising. Experts cited in the article say increased use of AI tools may also contribute by enabling more aggressive billing, but they do not expect a quick fix.Key Facts
- A KFF poll found that one-quarter of voters were very worried about affording healthcare, while more than one-third were somewhat worried.
- The average monthly benchmark premium for Affordable Care Act plans rose from $497 in 2025 to $625 in 2026, KFF reported.
- KFF found that finalized benchmark silver-plan premiums under the ACA are set to rise by an average of 13% next year.
- Workers with employer health insurance are paying nearly 10% more for premiums, according to a KFF survey.
- The average deductible for workers with single coverage reached $1,886 in 2025, up 43% from 2015, KFF reported.
- Prescription drug spending increased 12.7% in 2025 to $915 billion and could exceed $1 trillion in 2026, according to an ASHP report.
- Experts said some healthcare providers use AI scribes to document visits and generate notes; they said these tools may enable more aggressive billing or place patients in higher billing categories.
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