82M US Adults Cutting Back on Needs to Afford Healthcare | Gallup Data
Financial Strain Forces Millions to Trade Health for Basic Needs
More than 82 million U.S. Adults – roughly one-third of the population – have had to cut back on essential expenses like food, utilities, and transportation in the past year simply to afford healthcare, according to recent surveys from Gallup. This growing trend highlights the significant financial burden healthcare costs place on American families, impacting both those with and without health insurance.
The financial strain isn’t limited to those without coverage. Gallup’s data reveals that 62% of uninsured Americans made at least one sacrifice to cover medical expenses, with 32% resorting to borrowing money and 24% delaying necessary medication. However, even among individuals earning between $90,000 and $120,000 annually, 25% reported making similar trade-offs. This underscores that high healthcare costs are a widespread issue, extending beyond low-income households.
Beyond Immediate Expenses: Long-Term Consequences
The impact of these financial burdens extends beyond immediate needs. Gallup’s second survey, conducted from October to December 2025, found that many Americans are postponing significant life decisions due to healthcare costs. These include delaying retirement (9%), forgoing homeownership (14%), postponing having children (6%), and cancelling vacations (29%).
Health status itself plays a crucial role. Individuals reporting poor health were significantly more likely (62%) to make financial trade-offs for healthcare compared to those in particularly good health (21%) or excellent health (18%). This suggests a cyclical relationship where poor health leads to higher costs, which then exacerbate financial strain and potentially worsen health outcomes.
A recent cohort study published in January 2026, analyzing data from over 12,600 participants in the Medical Expenditure Panel, revealed that 17% of U.S. Adults spent over 10% of their family income on out-of-pocket healthcare costs over a four-year period. This highlights the long-term financial risk associated with healthcare expenses.
Affordability Concerns Intensify with ACA Enrollment Declines
The situation may worsen as enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has decreased by over 1 million this year following the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. These credits previously helped individuals afford health insurance, and their removal could lead to more people forgoing coverage and facing higher out-of-pocket costs.
Understanding the Scope of Healthcare Hardship
The Gallup surveys, conducted between June and August 2025, encompassed nearly 20,000 U.S. Adults. The findings reveal a complex picture of healthcare affordability, where even those with relatively comfortable incomes are not immune to the financial pressures of medical expenses. The data underscores the need for broader solutions to address the rising cost of healthcare and ensure access for all Americans.
It’s important to note that these surveys rely on self-reported data, which may be subject to recall bias. However, the consistency of the findings across different income levels and insurance statuses suggests a genuine and widespread problem. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of these financial trade-offs on individual and public health.
What’s Next: Monitoring Trends and Policy Responses
Healthcare affordability remains a key policy issue. Ongoing monitoring of ACA enrollment rates and out-of-pocket spending will be crucial to assess the impact of recent policy changes. Further analysis of the Gallup data, alongside other national health surveys, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the scope and drivers of healthcare hardship. Discussions around potential policy solutions, such as expanding premium subsidies or negotiating lower drug prices, are likely to continue as policymakers seek to address this pressing issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to track health insurance coverage rates and healthcare access through the National Health Interview Survey, providing valuable data for informing policy decisions. Learn more about the NHIS here.