North Carolina
Infographic
2026 North Carolina Survey InfographicConsumer Healthcare Experience State Survey
A survey of more than 1,400 North Carolina adults, conducted from July 8 to July 23, 2026, found that:
- Over two in three respondents (70%) experienced at least one health care affordability burden in the past year;
- Over two in three respondents (68%) delayed or went without health care due to cost in the last twelve months;
- Four in five respondents (80%) reported being worried about affording health care in the future;
- Higher rates of going without care, medical debt and related financial strain were reported by respondents with lower incomes and those with disabilities or disabled household members; and
- Across party lines, respondents express strong support for policy-based solutions to address high health care costs.
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 and regional survey results.
2026 Briefs
2023 Briefs
2021 Briefs
Recent Surveys
North Carolina Residents Struggle to Afford High Healthcare Costs; COVID Fears Add to Support for a Range of Government Solutions Across Party Lines
Nationally, consumer worry about healthcare affordability is well documented in the U.S., but now—for the first time—a new survey reveals how affordability concerns and ideas for action play out in North Carolina. Key Findings A survey of more than 950 North Carolina adults,…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Residents Worried about High Drug Costs; Support a Range of Government Solutions
According to a survey of more than 950 North Carolina adults, conducted from April 29, 2021 to May 25, 2021, residents are concerned about prescription drug costs and express a strong desire to enact solutions. Over half of all survey respondents (54%) report being…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Survey Respondents Struggle to Afford High Health Care Costs; Worry about Affording Health Care in the Future; Support Government Action Across Party Lines
Key Findings A survey of more than 1,400 North Carolina adults, conducted from October 18 to October 23, 2023,found that: A Range of Health Care Affordability Burdens Like many Americans, North Carolina adults experience hardship due to high health care costs. Overall,…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Survey Respondents Bear Health Care Affordability Burdens Unequally; Distrust of/Disrespect by Health Care Providers Leads Some to Delay/Go Without Needed Care
North Carolina Survey Respondents 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 1,400 North Carolina adults, conducted from October 18 to October 23, 2023,found that:…
Read MoreNorth Carolina Survey Respondents Worried about High Drug Costs; Support a Range of Government Solutions
According to a survey of more than 1,400 North Carolina adults, conducted from October 18 to October 23, 2023, respondents are concerned about prescription drug costs and express a strong desire for policymakers to enact solutions. More than half (58%) of survey respondents…
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