Poll: Iowans Say Healthcare Costs Are Rising — Lawmakers Aren’t Keeping Up
- Iowans for Affordable Healthcare
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
A new statewide poll commissioned by Iowans for Affordable Healthcare shows strong bipartisan concern about rising healthcare costs and growing skepticism that lawmakers are doing enough to address affordability.
Nearly two-thirds of Iowans (61%) say their healthcare costs have increased, and 59% say federal lawmakers could be doing more to lower costs. At the state level, confidence is eroding: 49% say state legislators are not making the right decisions on healthcare prices. Political support is also shifting, with GOP backing falling from 51% to 45%.
If enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expire, the consequences would be severe, according to polling results. Eighty-six percent of marketplace enrollees say they would delay or skip care, including 82% of Trump voters, highlighting broad, cross-party concern.
The poll, which was conducted by an independent polling firm in Iowa, also finds Iowans strongly opposed to policies that raise costs:
By a 2-to-1 margin (57 – 24), voters oppose mandates that increase health insurance premiums
58% of Iowans say they would accept fewer nearby pharmacy options if it means paying less for prescription drugs, with affordability ranking as the most important factor in healthcare decisions.
72% oppose allowing pharmacies to add new dispensing fees, as proposed in SF 383
An overwhelming 84% oppose new facility fees for doctor’s office and clinic visits after hospital mergers. including 92% of Republicans, 77% of Democrats, and 86% of Independents
Cost clearly drives consumer behavior.
“Iowans are united on one issue: healthcare costs too much,” said Phil Jeneary, Executive Director for Iowans for Affordable Healthcare. “Voters want lawmakers focused on lowering prices, not on policies that make care harder to afford.” View healthcare memo.
Methodology:This statewide poll was conducted for Iowans for Affordable Healthcare among likely Iowa voters using a mixed-mode sample. Results were weighted to a 2026 likely general election audience. Sample size: 600 likely general election voters. Conducted December 7-8, 2025, with a margin of error ± 3.99%.
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