California Survey Revealed High Medical Cost Anxiety
A survey of 4,000 California residents found that most cite unexpected medical bills as a primary financial burden.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Healthcare
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The California Health Care Foundation released a survey in September 2026 showing that 64% of residents identify unexpected medical bills as their top financial concern. Approximately 40% of Californians report carrying medical debt, and 60% skipped or delayed care due to costs in the past year.
Why it matters
Rising costs of living and wage stagnation contribute to the difficulty residents face in affording healthcare. These financial strains influence how Californians interact with medical providers, often leading to delayed treatment and systemic distrust.
The survey interviewed 4,000 residents throughout 2025 and 2026. Data shows that 60% of Californians delayed or skipped care in the past year, while 46% reported a distrust of hospitals and insurers.
The players
California Health Care Foundation
This Oakland-based organization focuses on improving the health and healthcare systems for the people of California.
The details
Researchers collected data on resident anxiety and experiences with healthcare through interviews conducted over a two-year period. The findings indicate that 46% of Californians now express distrust toward hospitals and insurers, a sentiment that rises to 64% among those who previously skipped care due to costs.
Timeline
The survey was conducted throughout 2025 and 2026.
A separate survey was released in February 2026.
The primary survey findings were released in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This report highlights how medical cost anxiety is outpacing other essential expenses like housing and food. These findings reflect a broader trend where systemic financial pressures reshape consumer behavior across the state healthcare market.
The data highlights a significant shift in household budgeting as medical costs now outweigh concerns over housing, food, and gas for a majority of residents. This may lead to changes in how families prioritize medical spending and manage personal debt in the coming years.
The takeaway
Many Californians are forced to deprioritize their health as financial concerns mount and trust in the medical system wanes. Residents facing medical debt may want to look into local programs that assist with hospital bill negotiation and payment planning.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's medical environment in our California Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
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