More than 80 million Americans say they are cutting back on everyday expenses such as utilities, driving, and groceries in order to afford healthcare, according to new research from the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America. The findings highlight the growing financial strain many households are experiencing as healthcare costs rise alongside broader cost-of-living pressures. The research comes at a time when Americans are dealing with elevated living costs, including higher energy prices and rising insurance premiums. Some Affordable Care Act tax credits expired at the end of last year, which could leave millions facing higher coverage costs or losing insurance entirely.
Together, these pressures are contributing to a growing affordability crisis that is influencing daily spending decisions and long-term financial planning.
Healthcare Costs Are Driving Everyday Trade-Offs
Researchers found that healthcare costs are forcing millions of Americans to make difficult financial choices.
Key findings include:
- One-third of Americans report making at least one trade-off in their daily expenses to afford healthcare.
- More than 60% of uninsured individuals report making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care.
- About 32% of uninsured respondents borrowed money, while 24% said they stretched or delayed prescription medications.
- Even among insured Americans, nearly three in ten reported cutting back on everyday spending to afford healthcare.
These trade-offs span income levels. While 55% of households earning less than $24,000 annually report making financial sacrifices, the impact extends much further up the income scale:
- 25% of households earning between $90,000 and $120,000 report making trade-offs.
- Even 11% of households earning $240,000 or more say healthcare costs forced them to cut back elsewhere.
The findings suggest that affordability challenges are widespread and not confined to traditionally vulnerable populations.
Healthcare Costs Are Also Affecting Life Decisions
A separate national survey conducted between October and December 2025 found that healthcare expenses are also influencing long-term life decisions.
According to the survey:
- Nearly 1 in 10 adults (about 24 million people) say they have postponed retirement due to healthcare costs.
- 18% delayed changing jobs.
- 14% postponed buying a home.
- 6% delayed starting or expanding their families.
Notably, about half of households earning between $48,000 and $180,000 reported postponing at least one major life decision because of healthcare expenses.
