ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A new statewide poll released in January 2026 found that 93.6 percent of likely Maryland voters support the General Assembly reviewing hospital pricing and exploring policies to reduce healthcare costs as the 2026 legislative session begins.
The survey, conducted by Gonzales Research & Media Services, included 808 registered voters likely to participate in the 2026 general election. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Nearly 80 percent of respondents said lawmakers should “definitely” address the issue, while 14 percent said they “probably” should. Only about 5 percent opposed legislative review of hospital pricing.
Support crossed party lines. Nearly 96 percent of Democrats favored examination of hospital pricing. Ninety percent of Republicans and 91 percent of unaffiliated voters agreed. Republicans showed slightly less emphatic support than Democrats, but overall backing remained strong across affiliations.
The poll results highlight public concern over rising healthcare costs driven by hospital pricing. Hospital service costs in Maryland have increased more than 250 percent since 2000, according to data cited in the poll findings. That growth exceeds inflation, wage increases and household income gains during the same period.
Matthew Kandrach, president of Consumer Action for a Strong Economy and lead of its Hospital Facts initiative, commented on the findings. “This is not a close call or a partisan issue,” Kandrach said in a news release. “When 94% of Marylanders say lawmakers should review hospital pricing, it sends a clear signal: the public expects action.”
Advocates point to hospital pricing as a key factor in escalating healthcare expenses. Costs are often passed to consumers through higher insurance premiums, larger deductibles and surprise medical billing. Large hospital systems have reported strong financial margins amid these increases, according to the advocacy group.
Consumer Action for a Strong Economy is calling for legislative action in the 2026 session. The group seeks improved oversight of hospital pricing, examination of industry consolidation and pursuit of price transparency policies. It plans to collaborate with lawmakers and stakeholders to make healthcare affordability a priority.
Maryland’s healthcare landscape includes major systems serving Southern Maryland, such as MedStar Health and University of Maryland Medical System facilities in Charles, Calvert and St. Marys counties. Residents in these counties face the same statewide trends in hospital costs, insurance premiums and access to care. The poll’s broad support suggests potential bipartisan interest in addressing affordability issues that affect rural and suburban communities.
The 2026 General Assembly session convenes in Annapolis with healthcare policy among expected topics. The Gonzales poll was conducted before the session start and reflects voter sentiment entering the legislative period.
The findings align with ongoing national discussions on hospital pricing transparency and cost control. Maryland operates under a unique all-payer rate-setting system for hospitals, which regulates charges but has faced criticism over overall cost growth.
No specific bills on hospital pricing review had been introduced as of mid-January 2026, though the poll results may influence legislative priorities.