The American healthcare system is facing a crisis of affordability, with a new poll revealing that only half of U.S. adults can afford high-quality healthcare and have access to quality care. This alarming statistic highlights the growing financial burden on individuals and families, especially as inflation drives costs higher. The survey, conducted by the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index, found that concerns about affording healthcare are at a record high, with 49% of respondents considered "cost secure" in 2025, down from 56% in 2021. This decline is particularly concerning as it coincides with recent changes to health policy, such as Medicaid cuts and the decision not to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. The impact of these changes is already being felt, with many Americans struggling to afford basic healthcare services.
The poll also revealed that younger adults, older adults, and women are among the groups most affected by declining healthcare affordability and access. Among those under 30, only one-third were categorized as "cost secure," a significant drop from 46% in 2021. Women were already less likely to be "cost secure" than men, but the gap widened last year, with 42% of women considered "cost secure" compared to 57% of men. Older Americans, who are generally more likely to be covered by Medicare, also saw a meaningful decrease in healthcare affordability, falling from 73% in 2021 to 61% in 2025.
The financial burden of healthcare is not just a concern for individuals but also for families. About 2 in 10 U.S. adults in the 2025 poll said they or a member of their household was unable to pay for prescribed medicine or drugs due to costs. Additionally, 3 in 10 respondents said they or someone in their household did not seek treatment for a health problem because of the expense. These sacrifices highlight the difficult choices people are making to afford healthcare, often at the expense of other essential needs.
The survey also found that the cost of healthcare contributes significantly to stress in people's daily lives. More than half of respondents said healthcare costs contribute "a lot" or "some" to their stress levels, compared to about 3 in 10 who said these costs contribute "very little stress" and 2 in 10 who said they contribute "no stress at all." This indicates that the financial burden of healthcare is not just a financial issue but also a psychological one, with many Americans feeling anxious and powerless in the face of rising costs.
The situation is particularly dire for those with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. Inger Perez, a 59-year-old from Encino, Texas, who has a family history of these conditions, is worried about the cost of blood work and potential treatment. She expressed her fear of not being able to afford the necessary care, highlighting the emotional toll that healthcare affordability can take on individuals and families.
The poll also revealed that the quality of care is a concern for many Americans, especially those in rural areas. Perez mentioned her frustration with the limited network of covered providers in her lower-cost Affordable Care Act marketplace plan, which creates an additional obstacle to finding good care. This issue is particularly challenging for those in rural areas, where access to healthcare providers is already limited.
In conclusion, the American healthcare system is facing a crisis of affordability, with a growing number of Americans struggling to afford high-quality healthcare. The financial burden of healthcare is not just a financial issue but also a psychological one, with many Americans feeling anxious and powerless in the face of rising costs. This crisis highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare reform to address the affordability and accessibility issues faced by millions of Americans.
