MELBOURNE, Fla. /Christian News/ — When asked about the current state of healthcare, Americans overwhelmingly expressed feelings of concern and fear. In a new study released today, the majority of Americans expressed concern for health coverage, costs, access to care and the direction of government-outlined plans for the future of healthcare.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Medi-Share, a Christian healthcare sharing program, also found:

• Sixty-nine percent of Americans fear politicians will restrict their individual freedoms while making healthcare decisions on their behalf.
• Approximately four out of 10 (37 percent) of Americans do not anticipate they will be able to afford their healthcare insurance premium given expected price increases.
• More than 60 percent of Americans (63 percent) do not like the current government plans for the future of healthcare; 41 percent expressed strong disagreement with the current plans.
• Sixty-nine percent of Americans are concerned employers will drop group health insurance plans due to government regulations and price increases.

“The survey illustrates that many people are confused and fearful of the future of healthcare,” said Tony Meggs, president of Christian Care Ministry, which operates Medi-Share. “And, particularly today in our down economy, many are scrambling for more affordable options.”

Members of healthcare sharing programs such as Medi-Share are exempt from complying with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.