A Note on How the War in Iran May Affect Health Care in the Midterms Author: Drew Altman Published: Mar 23, 2026

https://www.kff.org/from-drew-altman/a-note-on-how-the-war-in-iran-may-affect-health-care-in-the-midterms/ In a new column, Dr. Drew Altman, KFF’s President and CEO, discusses the impact of the war in Iran and rising gas prices on voter concerns about health care costs. He writes: “Recently, we saw health care costs rise to the top of the public’s list of economic worries, ahead of food, housing, utility costs and the cost of gas….Expect gas prices to rise and health care costs to fall on the list of affordability worries while the war in Iran lasts, but then to return to the top or near the top when President Trump decides to declare the major hostilities over, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and gas prices come down….health care costs have staying power as one of the top voter concerns.”