"Americans are overwhelmingly concerned about being able to afford health care in this country, and the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis and its resulting economic pain has only heightened this anxiety, especially when it comes to deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs."

Here are five highlights of the survey, which are detailed in the guide:

• Premiums, copays, and deductibles top the list of voter concerns. Eighty percent of respondents agreed that health care costs continue to climb every year, and more than 70% struggle with the unpredictability of out-of-pocket costs.
• Multiple demographic groups are worried. People of color, those with private insurance, individuals under 50, and those who don't consider themselves healthy are most concerned about affording a high deductible for the health care they need. Other fears include receiving a surprise medical bill, undergoing low-quality care that leads to complications, and needing to delay care because of high out-of-pocket expenses.
• Most voters want the government to ensure access to affordable and quality care. Although voters aren't advocating for a government-run health care system, 67% want President Biden and Congress to get costs under control. In fact, "reducing the cost of care" tops the list of priorities they want addressed, followed by "improving the quality of care," "increasing access to coverage," and "simplifying the system and making it easier to navigate."
• Telehealth isn't going anywhere. The majority of respondents (55%) have used telehealth services, and 67% have used them during the pandemic. Even more say they're likely to leverage telehealth opportunities after the pandemic ends.
• COVID-19 has exposed flaws in the health care system. More than half of respondents (56%) believe the pandemic has highlighted racial disparities, and 75% say it has exposed disparities along wealth and class lines.

Respondents also were invited to answer an open-ended question: "What is the most surprising thing you have learned about our health care system during the COVID-19 crisis?" The consensus, according to the guide, is that "the system is broken or was unprepared for the pandemic."

"2021 is a critical year for our nation," the authors conclude. "The need for meaningful reform is more dire than ever, and it is vital that our leaders seize this moment to support Americans by implementing common-sense solutions to the high costs of health care. We hope these findings will help."

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