A new Commonwealth Fund survey offers insight into what Americans see as the most pressing challenges facing the U.S. health care system. The survey, conducted among more than 25,000 U.S. adults in May 2026, found that health care affordability remains a major concern across insurance types and political affiliations. A June 2026 Commonwealth Fund issue brief examines severe maternal morbidity (SMM) — serious complications related to pregnancy and childbirth that can have lasting effects on mothers, infants, and families. Tens of thousands of women experience SMM each year in the United States, and women who experience it are significantly more likely to die within a year following childbirth. About three-quarters of respondents identified either high health insurance premiums or high out-ofpocket costs as the most important problem to address. The findings also examine who Americans believe is best positioned to address these challenges, including the federal government, insurance companies, health care providers, and other stakeholders. The resource provides useful national data for public health professionals and partners interested in health care affordability, coverage, access, and public perspectives on improving the health care system.

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