As mentions of the coronavirus have declined over the past year, the percentages citing health care access and cost have increased, although neither has returned to its pre-pandemic level. Gallup's most recent survey that included this question was in November 2018.

11% now name health care access, up from 4% in 2020 and 22% in 2018.
Even fewer adults today (9%) mention the cost of health care more frequently than access. This also is up from 4% in 2020 and 25% in 2018.
Mentions of obesity have been fairly steady in recent years — 5% name it today, similar to 4% in 2020 and 7% in 2018. The percentage citing obesity had been in double digits in most years from 2007 to 2015 before waning.
Mentions of cancer remain at a record low of 3% after dipping to 4% last year. Previously, cancer consistently ranked among the top four health problems, usually registering at least 10% and reaching a high of 23% in 1999.
Immunization is cited by 6% of all U.S. adults as the most urgent health problem.

The decline in those naming COVID-19 or viruses generally as the nation's top health problem has occurred across society, seen about equally among men, women and all age groups. It also has declined among all major political party groups, although more sharply among Democrats and independents, who were far more likely to name it last year, than among Republicans.

Instant Insights /

COVID remains top health care issue for many Americans

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