Health care sticker shock has become the norm, but talking to your doctor about costs can help you rein it in

Three questions can help patients get a better handle on drug and health care options. But many Americans still hold back from asking providers for information.

By: Helen Colby, Indiana University and Deidre Popovich, Texas Tech University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 10, 2026

Words: 1,307

Last Updated: 2 hours, 39 minutes ago

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By Helen Colby, Indiana University and Deidre Popovich, Texas Tech University

As health care costs rise, patients aren’t just shouldering higher bills. They’re bearing more and more responsibility for getting information.

Americans are facing a health care affordability crunch on multiple fronts. In 2025, the Republican-controlled Congress approved a sweeping tax law that scaled back premium subsidies for Americans accessing care through the Affordable Care Act starting in 2026. As a result, millions on …

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