More than one-third of Americans – roughly 82 million people – are now forced to make daily sacrifices to pay for medical care, according to a new study by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America. These compromises range from skipping meals and borrowing money to rationing prescriptions and cutting back on essential utilities.
The Harsh Reality of American Healthcare Costs
The study reveals that 15% of Americans have rationed prescription medication, while another 15% have resorted to borrowing money just to cover healthcare expenses. A further 11% skip meals, and nearly as many reduce driving or cut back on utilities to make ends meet. This isn’t a fringe issue; it’s a widespread crisis affecting people across income levels.
The situation worsened at the start of the year when enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expired. This policy change led to premium increases of over 75% for many, forcing individuals to pay significantly more for the same coverage. For example, some who previously paid $888 annually now face bills of $1,593.
Beyond Insurance: A System-Wide Problem
The financial strain is disproportionately felt by the uninsured (62%) and those with low incomes (55%), but the issue extends far beyond these groups. Even 25% of households earning between $90,000 and $120,000 annually report making trade-offs to afford healthcare.
According to Ellyn Maese, research director for the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare, the U.S. system is fundamentally broken. “Without a major change or intervention, millions of Americans will continue to have to make sacrifices, and that number may continue to grow.”
The Broader Economic Impact
This study isn’t just about healthcare costs; it’s about economic stability. The sacrifices people make to afford medical care impact their daily spending habits and long-term financial decisions. Healthcare affordability is no longer isolated to medical bills but is now part of the broader affordability crisis in America.
The West Health-Gallup Center has tracked these trends since 2021, highlighting that healthcare affordability affects the economy and society in ways that aren’t captured by standard economic indicators. The research underscores that healthcare is intertwined with overall financial well-being, creating a systemic problem that demands urgent attention.
The current state of healthcare affordability is unsustainable, forcing millions to choose between their health and basic needs. Without systemic reforms, this crisis will only deepen, with far-reaching economic and social consequences.
