New Statewide Survey Shows Most Oklahomans Struggle to Afford Health Care and Want Lawmakers to Be Honest About Costs

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans say healthcare affordability is a critical concern and want state lawmakers to prioritize transparency and cost relief when considering healthcare policy, according to a new survey commissioned by Altarum’s Healthcare Value Hub. 

(Download the survey: “Oklahoma Survey Respondents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; Worry about Affording Healthcare in the Future; and Express Bipartisan Support for Policy Solutions”)

Nearly three in four Oklahomans (72%) experienced at least one healthcare affordability burden in the past year, and two-thirds (67%) say the system is unaffordable. The outlook is even more concerning: 92% report costs are continuing to rise, and three-quarters worry they will not be able to afford care in the future. Notably, nearly three-quarters identify drug companies as the primary driver of rising healthcare expenses.  

“When the vast majority of Oklahomans say the system is unaffordable and are worried about the future, we can't afford to wait,” said Julie McKone, Executive Director of Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare. “These aren't just statistics; they're our neighbors and families struggling to access the care they need.”

The survey highlights the financial strain healthcare costs place on households:

More than two-thirds of those surveyed (68%) reported that they or a family member skipped or delayed medical care due to cost. As one Oklahoma resident, whose husband suffered a stroke and is living with stage IV renal cancer, put it: “We spent all our retirement getting his needs met. We have had to turn down medicines that could help him because of the cost. I also cannot get one of my recommended medicines because of cost.”

Those who get care often face financial strain. In fact, nearly a quarter of Oklahomans surveyed received an unexpected medical bill in the past year. An estimated 4 in 10 (39%) reported depleting savings, postponing other expenses, or taking on credit card debt because of healthcare cost burdens.

“Oklahomans shouldn’t have to make health decisions based on whether they can afford the bill,” McKone said. “When people are draining their savings and going into debt just to access care, the system isn't working, it's failing them.”

Oklahomans Want Lawmakers to Ease Healthcare Cost Burdens Transparently

While 90% say the government should limit high drug prices and 91% support broader action to rein in costs, respondents showed clear limits to their appetite for higher premiums. Less than half (43%) support expanded coverage if it means higher premiums, and just 31% back helping local pharmacies if it increases costs for everyone. Notably, more than 80% say state lawmakers should disclose how proposed mandates would affect consumer costs before passing legislation. This is why OKFAHC supports HB 1161, which would establish a process for the Oklahoma Insurance Department to create cost estimates for new healthcare mandates before they are enacted.

And when it comes to policies that directly reduce costs, support is strongest for prohibiting hospital “facility fees” at affiliated outpatient clinics not physically located inside a hospital (92%). 

“Oklahomans have drawn a clear line: they want real cost relief, not well-intentioned policies that end up costing families more,” McKone said. “Measures like eliminating unnecessary facility fees and requiring cost transparency before passing mandates are common sense—and exactly what voters are asking for.”

MethodologyThe findings come from Altarum’s Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (CHESS), which gathered Oklahomans’ views on health system experiences, financial burdens, and policy options. Conducted August 13 – September 12, 2025, the survey used a demographically balanced web panel from Dynata and included 1,383 adults ages 18 and older who completed the survey in English or Spanish.

About Oklahoma Families for Affordable HealthcareOklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare provides an independent, non-partisan voice for families and businesses around issues impacting the cost of healthcare. We advocate for policies that reduce costs and save lives by increasing access to affordable healthcare in Oklahoma.