As healthcare costs weigh on patients, states could play a bigger role, report finds

Fierce Healthcare – Monday, August 17, 2026
By Dave Muoio

As substantial costs remain Americans’ top point of criticism for the healthcare industry, a patchwork of state requirements for financial assistance and protections against medical debt leaves many patients at risk of crippling financial burdens, according to recent reports from healthcare policy and research group The Commonwealth Fund.

One of these reports, released Thursday, shares the results of a national survey fielded in May with nearly 26,000 adult respondents.

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