Last week, a federal judge blocked a newly finalized Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule that would have removed medical bills from consumer credit reports. But even before that, consumers were feeling more stressed about their medical debt burdens, according to data released by KFF.
- Affordability struggles are widespread. Nearly half (44%) of U.S. adults say it is “very” or “somewhat” difficult to afford health care costs overall, including 82% of uninsured adults and 55% of Hispanic adults. One in four households (23%) reported problems paying for care in the past year.
- Delayed care and health impacts. More than one-third (36%) of adults skipped or postponed needed care due to cost, rising to 75% among uninsured adults. Nearly two in ten (18%) say their health worsened because of delayed care.
- Prescription drug cost-cutting. About 21% of adults have not filled a prescription due to cost; 23% opted for over-the‑counter alternatives; and 15% have cut pills in half or skipped doses. In total, a third (33%) took at least one cost-saving measure, with larger shares among lower-income and Hispanic populations.
- High levels of medical debt. In 2022, 41% of adults reported debt from medical or dental bills, ranging from past‑due provider balances to credit‑card or collection‑agency loans. Disproportionate burdens fall on Black and Hispanic adults, uninsured individuals, women, and parents.
- Insurance isn’t a cure-all. Almost four in ten insured adults under 65 (38%) worry about affording monthly premiums, and 30-50% rate their coverage as “fair” or “poor” for premiums, doctor visit copayments, and prescription costs, especially those with employer‑sponsored or Marketplace plans.
- Worry tops other expenses. About six in ten adults say they are “very” or “somewhat” worried about affording health care services (62%) and unexpected medical bills (61%), outpacing concerns over housing, utilities, food, and transportation.
