A new statewide survey commissioned by Consumers for Affordable Health Care found that nearly half of Maine households have taken on medical debt in the past two years, with hospital-related care cited as the leading driver of those bills.The poll surveyed 514 registered Maine voters in January and February 2026 and found that more than 4 in 10 households took on medical debt during that period. Among households with medical debt, about one-third said they owe $5,000 or more.Hospital-based services were a major factor for those carrying debt, according to the survey. Eight in 10 respondents with medical debt said a hospital-related service contributed to what they owe, pointing most often to surgeries, medical tests, diagnostic services, and emergency treatment.Beyond debt itself, the survey found Mainers enduring widespread financial strain tied to medical bills. About two-thirds of households reported negative financial effects, including difficulty paying for necessities such as food, heating or housing, taking on other forms of debt, using savings to pay for medical bills. About two-thirds also said their family has been contacted by a collection agency over a medical bill.The results also suggest medical costs may be shaping health care decisions and fueling anxiety. Six in 10 respondents with commercial insurance said they would be more likely to get medical services if out-of-pocket costs were lower. Another six in 10 said a major medical event would be a financial disaster for their household, while four in 10 reported losing sleep over worries about medical costs.“The survey data, collected from people across the state, demonstrates that Mainers can no longer be left holding the bag when it comes to health care costs,” said Ann Woloson, the executive director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care. “They should be able to see a doctor or receive other health care they need without risking financial ruin.”The organization said the survey was designed to gauge health care affordability in Maine and measure how the cost of care and insurance affects residents’ finances and access to treatment. The full survey results can be viewed here.
A new statewide survey commissioned by Consumers for Affordable Health Care found that nearly half of Maine households have taken on medical debt in the past two years, with hospital-related care cited as the leading driver of those bills.
The poll surveyed 514 registered Maine voters in January and February 2026 and found that more than 4 in 10 households took on medical debt during that period. Among households with medical debt, about one-third said they owe $5,000 or more.
Hospital-based services were a major factor for those carrying debt, according to the survey. Eight in 10 respondents with medical debt said a hospital-related service contributed to what they owe, pointing most often to surgeries, medical tests, diagnostic services, and emergency treatment.
Beyond debt itself, the survey found Mainers enduring widespread financial strain tied to medical bills. About two-thirds of households reported negative financial effects, including difficulty paying for necessities such as food, heating or housing, taking on other forms of debt, using savings to pay for medical bills. About two-thirds also said their family has been contacted by a collection agency over a medical bill.
The results also suggest medical costs may be shaping health care decisions and fueling anxiety. Six in 10 respondents with commercial insurance said they would be more likely to get medical services if out-of-pocket costs were lower. Another six in 10 said a major medical event would be a financial disaster for their household, while four in 10 reported losing sleep over worries about medical costs.
“The survey data, collected from people across the state, demonstrates that Mainers can no longer be left holding the bag when it comes to health care costs,” said Ann Woloson, the executive director of Consumers for Affordable Health Care. “They should be able to see a doctor or receive other health care they need without risking financial ruin.”
The organization said the survey was designed to gauge health care affordability in Maine and measure how the cost of care and insurance affects residents’ finances and access to treatment.
The full survey results can be viewed here.