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New Poll: Californians Put Health Care Affordability and Access Among Top Priorities for Next Governor

Statewide poll finds broad support for lowering costs, protecting coverage and ensuring Californians can get the care they need

At a time when rising costs are straining household budgets and federal cuts threaten health coverage for millions, Californians are making clear that health care affordability and access are central to the state’s future. New statewide polling commissioned by The California Endowment and conducted September 26-October 4, 2026 by FM3 Research finds that voters overwhelmingly prioritize reducing health care costs, protecting access to care and ensuring communities have the resources to support their health and well-being.

View the full findings here.

The findings come as federal cuts could leave more than 1.3 million Californians without health insurance, raising urgent questions about the future of coverage and the state’s role in protecting access to care. The survey offers a timely look at Californians’ experiences with the health care system, the challenges facing their families and the policies they want state leaders to prioritize.

The poll finds that 80% of California voters consider reducing health care costs a highest or very high priority for the next governor, placing health care affordability alongside reducing homelessness (80%) and just ahead of reducing housing and rent costs (79%). The concern is deeply personal: 56% of voters say worrying about paying for health care, even with insurance, has been a challenge for themselves or a family member.

Additionally, protecting Medi-Cal and Medicaid from cuts is a priority for two-thirds of voters (66%), while 73% support guaranteeing access to health care regardless of ability to pay. Support remains substantial (62%) when voters are asked about access regardless of immigration status.

“Every Californian should have the opportunity to live a healthy, prosperous life, regardless of their race, income, ZIP code or immigration status. With federal cuts threatening coverage for so many families, California has an opportunity to lead by protecting access to care and making it more affordable. Voters have made their expectations clear, and we’re encouraged by Governor-elect Becerra’s commitment to addressing these challenges.”

– Brenda Solórzano, President and CEO of The California Endowment

Proposals from the Next Governor

The poll also reveals strong support for specific actions the governor-elect has proposed taking to make health care more affordable and accessible:

93% support negotiating lower prescription drug prices.
93% support holding health plans and hospitals accountable to ensure they are using public funds as promised
86% support requiring large employers that do not provide health coverage to low-wage workers who qualify for Medi-Cal to contribute toward the cost of that coverage
86% prioritize helping patients prevent health problems before they start.
78% prioritize ensuring Californians have access to basic health care.

The poll also underscores the importance of protecting Medi-Cal coverage and ensuring that low-income Californians, including immigrant communities, can access the care they need. While support for universal access varies depending on how the question is framed, the survey points to a strong public interest in policies that address the cost and availability of health care.

Taken together, the results reflect a broader understanding of health as a foundation for thriving communities. Californians are not only concerned about the cost of care when they become sick; they also want to prevent health problems, access basic services and find providers when they need them. These priorities reinforce the importance of policies that protect coverage, strengthen the health care system and address the conditions that shape health across California.

The California Endowment is committed to advancing health and racial equity by supporting communities and policies that enable all Californians to live healthy lives. The poll findings offer an important perspective on the public’s priorities as California considers how to protect health coverage, lower costs and strengthen the conditions that support community health.

The full poll findings are available here.

Additional Poll Findings

The survey highlights the connection between Californians’ economic concerns, their experiences navigating the health care system and their expectations for state leadership.

Affordability is shaping the public mood. More than half of voters (56%) say California is on the wrong track, compared with 27% who believe the state is headed in the right direction. Cost of living, inflation and affordability are the most frequently cited problems (30%), followed by homelessness (14%) and housing and rent (13%).
Financial pressures are widespread and disproportionately affect younger and Latino voters. Nearly half of voters (46%) say they are just getting by (28%) or really struggling financially (17%). That share rises to 53% among voters ages 18–49 and Latino voters. Nearly three in 10 Latino voters (29%) say they are really struggling financially.
Health care affordability is a top priority for state leadership. Eight in 10 voters (80%) rate reducing health care costs as a highest or very high priority for the next governor. The concern crosses racial and ethnic groups, including 83% of Latino voters and 84% of Asian/Pacific Islander voters.
Californians want a health care system focused on prevention and practical access. Voters place a high priority on helping patients prevent health problems (86%), ensuring access to basic health care (78%), improving access to mental and behavioral health services (76%) and making it easier to find a health care provider (76%).
Cost and capacity continue to create barriers to care. More than half of voters report challenges affording health care even with insurance (56%) or facing long wait times (54%). High premiums are a challenge for 61% of voters. While 79% say they and their families are getting the health care they need, the findings point to persistent affordability and access challenges.
There is broad support for ensuring access to affordable, high-quality care. Three-quarters of voters (76%) agree that California has a responsibility to ensure all Californians can access high-quality, affordable health care. Support remains substantial when the statement explicitly includes access regardless of immigration status (62%). Additionally, 73% support guaranteeing access regardless of ability to pay, while 56% agree that coverage should be guaranteed with contributions from those who can afford it.