Health Care Costs and Mental Health Access Weigh on Californians, Poll Shows

October 31, 2025

A new poll commissioned by the California Wellness Foundation reveals that Californians are deeply worried about healthcare affordability and accessibility, with nearly 90% wanting the next governor to prioritize caps on out-of-pocket medical expenses. The survey of 2,000 residents found that 72% fear they cannot afford to live in California long-term, while 57% express concern about how federal immigration enforcement is affecting healthcare decisions in their communities. Immigration-related fears are particularly acute among Latino communities in Los Angeles, where 60% report knowing someone facing financial hardship linked to immigration actions.

Who is affected

Californians statewide, particularly those concerned about healthcare costs (nearly 90%)
Latino communities in Los Angeles (60% knowing someone experiencing immigration-related financial hardship)
People who know someone afraid to seek medical care due to immigration activity (one in five respondents)
Self-employed individuals like Lisa Kaczmarczyk who purchase insurance through Covered California
Covered California marketplace enrollees facing potential loss of enhanced federal subsidies
People who have delayed seeking care (half of Californians)
Residents concerned about long-term California affordability (72%)

What action is being taken

Eleven philanthropic organizations are hosting a forum on November 7 at UC Riverside where gubernatorial candidates will discuss healthcare priorities
Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have acknowledged cost of living as a pressing issue

Why it matters

This poll matters because it demonstrates that healthcare affordability has become inseparable from California's broader cost-of-living crisis, with 72% of residents worried about being able to afford living in the state long-term. The findings reveal how federal immigration enforcement is creating a chilling effect on healthcare access, particularly in Latino communities, where people are avoiding necessary medical care out of fear. The overwhelming support (nearly 90%) for capping out-of-pocket health costs signals that voters will make healthcare affordability a central issue in the upcoming gubernatorial race, forcing candidates to address these concerns as a top priority.

What's next

A forum will be held on November 7 at UC Riverside where gubernatorial candidates (including Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee) will discuss their healthcare priorities
Enhanced federal subsidies for marketplace enrollees are set to expire at the end of the year, with Congress yet to decide whether to renew them
Legislative reforms to provide cost-of-living relief may take years to get approved or take effect

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint