Rising health care costs are a concern for a majority of Americans

A new survey from the nonprofit Physicians Foundation found that nearly three-quarters of patients are concerned about paying for medical bills if they fell sick. Here’s more: 

• Rising health care costs: The vast majority are concerned about how rising health costs will affect them in the future. Half of respondents say they’re one sickness away from serious financial trouble. 
• Opioid epidemic: About a third of respondents know someone who has struggled with opioid addiction, and about 20% know someone who has died as a result. More than half believe pharma companies are most responsible for the epidemic. 
• Other priorities: About three-quarters say poverty and inadequate social services contribute to high health spending in the U.S. A similar proportion say physicians should look at issues with housing, food or transportation to see if those are interfering with health.