Nearly seven in 10 people in Colorado and across the U.S. want Congress to take action to make health care affordable, even if it means regulating for-profit health care companies, according to a new survey, which found voters are likely to have health costs top of mind in the November elections.

Lisa Hunter, senior director of federal policy and advocacy for the advocacy group United States of Care Action, which released the poll, said most of the conversations about affordability have centered around the cost of insurance premiums but noted even people with insurance feel like they cannot access care.

Image

"The affordability crisis is hitting them not only at the point of obtaining their coverage but also using their insurance," Hunter explained. "What is your copay? What do you pay for prescription drugs? What are you paying out of pocket? What is your deductible?"

The survey found most people facing rising health care costs are making tough choices. To avoid getting stuck with a massive medical bill, many are waiting weeks to make an appointment or foregoing care altogether. They are also having to choose between going to the doctor or paying for necessities like rent, groceries and gas.

Hunter pointed out states, including Colorado, have taken the lead to lower costs in the absence of federal action. For example, after Colorado's All Payers Claims Database consistently showed a wide variation in prices for the same medical services, lawmakers required hospitals to post prices, which are easily accessible to the public.

"We now have data showing that some of these really common sense targeted consumer protections and patient protections can actually do a lot to prevent people from subjecting themselves to really high costs when they receive care and even prevent them from going into medical debt," Hunter added.

Hunter stressed as Americans become increasingly distrustful of a health system they feel centers profit over their well-being, many are looking for candidates who will stand up for them instead of hospitals and insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

"Our polling shows that 76% of adults will be assessing whether a candidate has prioritized health care costs and lowering health care costs as an issue before they cast their ballot," Hunter reported.