Poll: 6 in 10 say higher health care premiums are ‘major concern’

Six in 10 U.S. adults say they worry about having to pay higher health insurance premiums, according to a Gallup poll.

The poll finds that 61 percent say having their premiums raised is a “major concern,” higher than several other health-care-related problems.

{mosads}Democrats focused heavily on health care on the midterm campaign trail and won back the House majority while saying they would preserve protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

The poll, though, finds that premiums are an even bigger concern for the public than pre-existing conditions.

Forty-two percent of adults said being denied coverage for a pre-existing condition is a major concern, compared to the 61 percent worried about higher premiums. In addition, 46 percent said they are concerned they will not have enough money to pay for health care.

“Many House members-elect have homed in on the issue of being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, which worries more than four in 10 Americans,” the Gallup analysis states.

“But concerns are greatest about the possibility of having to pay higher premiums — a scenario that raises major concerns across party lines,” it adds.

Not surprisingly, people making under $30,000 are even more concerned about higher premiums, at 70 percent. But even among those making more than $75,000, 57 percent are concerned with higher premiums.