Americans Agree Health Care System Needs Fixing, New Survey Finds

Americans are divided on lots of issues. But a new national survey finds that people across the political spectrum agree on at least one thing: Our health care system needs fixing.

The "Hidden Common Ground" survey from Public Agenda, USA Today and Ipsos found that 92% of Americans say changes are needed.

And a majority of Americans want "either major changes or a complete overhaul of the system," says Chris Jackson, vice president of market research firm Ipsos.

Another widespread concern was making healthcare more affordable.

Side Effects Public Media reached out to survey participants across the political spectrum to better understand their views and experiences with the health care system. And many were eager to share their stories.

Celest Smith, 51, lives in Bella Vista, Arkansas. She's a long-time Republican and works in accounting and finance.

In 2014, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Even with insurance, and paying some costs upfront, she