Washington
2025 Washington Health Care Affordability BriefConsumer Healthcare Experience State Survey
A survey of more than 1,380 Washington adults, conducted from September 9 to October 8, 2025, found that:
- Over 2 in 3 (68%) experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year;
- 4 in 5 (79%) worry about affording health care in the future;
- Over 2 in 3 (66%) of all respondents delayed or went without health care due to cost in the last twelve months;
- Over two in three (71%) of respondents believe the health care system is unaffordable
- Low and middle-income respondents and respondents with a disability or living in a household with a person with a disability reported higher rates of going without care due to cost and incurring medical debt, depleting savings, and/or sacrificing basic needs due to medical bills; and
- Across party lines, respondents express strong support for policy-based solutions.
Altarum’s Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHESS) is designed to elicit respondents’ unbiased views on a wide range of health system issues, including confidence using the health system, financial burden and views on fixes that might be needed.
Below are Data Briefs with statewide survey results.
2025 Briefs
2022 Briefs
2023 Briefs
Recent Surveys
Washington Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Worry About Affording Healthcare in the Future; Support Government Action Across Party Lines
Key Findings A survey of more than 1,300 Washington adults, conducted from August 3 to August 16, 2022, found that respondents are worried about affording healthcare and are looking to policymakers to address healthcare costs. Notably: A Range of Healthcare Affordability Burdens Like…
Read MoreWashington Residents Worry About High Drug Costs; Support a Range of Government Solutions
A survey of more than 1,300 Washington adults, conducted from August 3, 2022 to August 16, 2022, found that Washington respondents are concerned about prescription drug costs and express a strong desire for policymakers to take action and enact policy solutions. Key Findings…
Read MoreWashington Residents Bear Health Care Affordability Burdens Unequally; Distrust of/Disrespect by Health Care Providers Leads Some to Delay/Go Without Needed Care
Key Findings A survey of more than 1,300 Washington adults, conducted from August 3 to August 16, 2022, foundthat: Difference in Affordability Burdens & Concerns Race and Ethnicity The intersection of racial disparities in health care and affordability issues impact access…
Read MoreWashington Survey Respondents Worry about High Hospital Costs; Face Challenges Understanding Quality and Cost of Care
Summary Hospitals provide essential services and are vital to the well-being of our communities. However, a recent survey of over 1,300 Washington adults conducted from September 9 to October 8, 2025, revealed a lack of confidence in navigating the health care system and understanding…
Read MoreWashington Survey Respondents Struggle to Afford High Health Care Costs; Worry about Affording Health Care in the Future; Express Bipartisan Support for Policy Solutions
Summary A survey of more than 1,380 Washington adults, conducted from September 9 to October 8, 2025, found: Health care is expensive in the U.S., and Washington is no exception. Over two in three respondents (68%) reported experiencing at least one health care…
Read MoreAltarum in Action
Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner cites CHESS survey in letter to State House Committee on Health and Human Services about HB072 related to reimbursement rates and repealing affordability standards. Read more
Washington State Senator Patty Murray’s office cites the WA CHESS survey in press release about Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing where Senator Murray questioned CEOs of major pharmaceutical companies about the high prices charged to Americans for their prescription drugs. Read more
Read More Altarum in Action Resources