We know health care is too expensive. But just how bad is it? How does it impact our financial security and well-being? What are we sacrificing to pay for health care? And is Washington ready for change?  

Our Fair Health Prices Washington coalition teamed up recently with national partners to find out the answers to these questions and more. We worked with our national partner,  United States of Care, and pollster Digital Research, Inc. to survey more than 1,000 Washingtonians this June. 

What we found was really alarming.  

Here’s the bottom line: Soaring medical costs are forcing many residents to make impossible choices between their health and their basic needs. From delaying essential treatments to depleting savings meant for food or housing, the financial strain is palpable and widespread. 

• More than half (57%) of respondents have avoided seeking medical treatment or modified their use of prescriptions in the last year due to the cost; 

• One in three people live in a household with medical debt; 

• 88% are concerned about the cost of their health care in the future  

More than half of respondents (55%) were forced to use money from their food, heat, and housing budgets, deplete all or most of their savings, or struggle to pay for basic necessities to pay health care bills. More than four in ten reported having to go on a payment plan, use a credit card, or take out a loan in order to pay for medical treatment. 

We already know unexpected medical bills are a hardship. But the survey revealed a shocking 63% of respondents could not pay or would struggle to pay an unexpected $500 medical bill.  

Some communities face particularly high rates of difficulty.    

Three in four African American and Hispanic/Latino respondents shared impacts to their health care, compared to 57% of white people. Examples of impacts include delaying or skipping going to the dentist or health care provider, not filling a prescription, cutting pills in half, or not getting a needed medical device.  

Small businesses are particularly hard hit by high health care costs. Respondents in small business-owning households were more likely than others to report difficulties affording health insurance (63%, compared to 52% overall).  

People with disabilities are more likely to experience negative impact of medical costs, at 72%, compared to the average rate of 65% of respondents. Negative impacts include financial, emotional, medical, debt, and credit impacts. Additionally, individuals with a disability have a higher prevalence of medical debt (41%) than those who do not have a disability (26%). 

Getting hospital care in particular causes stress for Washington residents. Three out of four of the survey respondents said they are concerned about their ability to afford the out-of-pocket costs related to getting care in a hospital, whether planned or emergency treatment. Of those who report having medical debt, four in ten reported that hospital care is responsible for the largest share. 

Washington is ready for change – across the political spectrum 

The significant burden of medical costs, particularly on BIPOC and disabled communities and small business owners, underscores the need for legislative action.  

All across the state, regardless of political party or political persuasion, Washingtonians want lawmakers to take action to improve our health care system. Nearly nine out of ten respondents (87%) believe Washington lawmakers should specifically take action to address health care costs.  

When considering top priorities for elected officials, health care affordability was ranked third highest, tied with crime, and behind only inflation and housing affordability.  

When asked whether private companies and the health care market should be trusted to sufficiently regulate our costs, six in ten said they do not believe the health care industry alone can be trusted to regulate health care costs, pointing to the need for policy change. The overwhelming majority of those surveyed said Washington state elected officials and lawmakers should take action to address health care costs and that support cut across party lines with agreement from 89% of Democrats, 87% of Independents, and 86% of Republicans.  

The results of this survey are clear: The health care crisis in Washington state is more urgent than ever. Our elected officials have an opportunity – and a mandate from their constituents – to take decisive action to address high health care costs and build a healthier, more secure future for us all. 

Check out the complete poll results here.