The following is from Gallup News.

A new Gallup and West Health survey finds that 46% of Americans say the country is headed in the wrong direction regarding healthcare policy under President-elect Donald Trump. About 31% say it’s on the right track, while 23% are unsure. Views on healthcare policy are sharply divided along partisan lines, with 84% of Democrats and 48% of independents saying “wrong direction,” compared to 73% of Republicans who say “right direction.”

On prescription drug costs, 41% say the country is heading in the wrong direction, while 34% say policies are on the right track and 24% are unsure. Optimism runs strongest among Republicans, with 76% saying they are optimistic about the Trump administration’s ability to lower healthcare costs, compared to 4% of Democrats and 24% of independents. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Democrats say they are pessimistic about healthcare costs, along with 85% regarding drug costs.

Just 38% of Americans say access to affordable healthcare and mental healthcare will improve in the next five years, while over 60% don’t expect improvements. Republicans are optimistic, with over 70% saying they expect improvements, compared to only 10% of Democrats.

Majorities also say they doubt the Trump administration will prioritize healthcare issues like expanding Medicare, protecting Social Security, or capping insulin prices. Over 90% of Democrats and 60% of independents express skepticism, while Republicans remain confident.

Americans share concerns about the high cost of care. Nearly one-third across all affiliations worry their households can’t afford necessary healthcare. Medicare availability is also a key issue, with majorities of Democrats (71%), independents (66%), and Republicans (62%) under age 65 saying they are worried it won’t be available when they qualify. More than 80% say they support expanding Medicare to include home care and ensuring mental health coverage equals physical health coverage.

The survey of 3,583 adults was conducted Nov. 11-18, 2024, using the Gallup Panel.

For more information, see the full report here.