A majority of Americans say the healthcare system isn’t working for them—and many are turning to artificial intelligence for solutions.

According to a new PwC survey on consumer healthcare trends, 51% of respondents believe the healthcare industry is broken. More than half (55%) reported negative care experiences in the past year, with frustration centered on costs, paperwork, and limited access to care. Among uninsured respondents, that number jumps to 74%.

Thom Bales, PwC’s U.S. Health Services Sector Lead said the findings reflect mounting dissatisfaction. “People are frustrated by all of these questions around access, about reimbursement, about the paperwork,” Bales told Chief Healthcare Executive during the recent HLTH conference.

About 29% of those surveyed said they delayed or skipped care due to cost, and many cited the high price of weight-loss medications like GLP-1 drugs as a growing point of frustration.

Millennials and Generation X—many of whom are juggling their own health alongside caring for children and aging parents—show the strongest interest in AI-powered health tools. Nearly three out of four (73%) said they use, or are open to using, AI tools to help them find the right provider, while 71% expressed interest in AI that supports physicians in diagnosing patients.

“These consumers are busy, and their biggest barrier is convenience,” Bales said. “AI tools that save time or simplify care access are resonating with them.”

Generation Z, the youngest cohort in the study, is even more comfortable with digital health. About 79% use telehealth or wearable devices monthly, and many show a growing willingness to see AI integrated into clinical settings. Still, only 57% of Gen Z respondents said they trust primary care physicians—far below the 85% reported among Baby Boomers.

The survey also suggests patients are aware of the strain on healthcare workers. Nearly 70% said their provider seemed rushed or pressed for time, while 59% perceived signs of burnout or exhaustion.

“Consumers can sense the stress their caregivers are under,” Bales said. “They’re noticing differences in their visits compared to before.”

Despite widespread frustration, the survey shows a nuanced shift: Americans aren’t just angry—they’re increasingly open to using technology, especially AI, as part of the solution.