A recent survey highlights growing dissatisfaction among Pennsylvanians regarding healthcare quality. For the first time since 2019, over half the respondents rated the state’s healthcare as fair or poor.
Conducted by Muhlenberg College, this survey gathered insights from 500 adults between March 10 and March 17, 2026. The results show that 50% rated the healthcare good or excellent, while 45% felt it was fair or poor.
When asked about the biggest threat to public health, 21% pointed to issues of access and cost. This was often paired with the response “not sure,” also at 21%. A smaller percentage, 9%, blamed political figures or parties.
Cost remains a significant barrier for many. Just over a quarter of participants reported struggles accessing care due to financial constraints in the past year.
Interestingly, the survey uncovered a surge in the belief that vaccines can cause autism—a notion linked to misinformation pushed by public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A record 37% of respondents agreed with this claim, marking a drastic increase from 11% in 2021.
Political stress seems to be on the rise as well, with 44% now considering it a major source of stress, up from 32% in 2025. Similarly, 44% view climate change as a crisis, although opinions vary: 66% of Democrats agree, compared to only 12% of Republicans.
On a lighter note, nearly half of Pennsylvanians (47%) favor legalizing cannabis, while only 25% oppose it.
This survey reflects broader trends and concerns in the state, illustrating a complex public opinion landscape in Pennsylvania.
For more detailed analysis and insights, you can read further from our partners at Pennsylvania Capital-Star.
