Rising Healthcare Costs and Access to Care in the U.S.

Healthcare affordability remains a significant challenge for many Americans, impacting their ability to access necessary medical services. Recent data indicates a concerning trend: a growing number of adults are delaying or forgoing healthcare due to cost concerns. This article examines the latest findings on healthcare costs and access to care in the United States, drawing on data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and other reliable sources.

Healthcare Costs and Delayed Care: A Growing Problem

In 2024, approximately 17% of adults in the United States reported delaying or foregoing healthcare services due to cost. This includes delaying or not receiving needed medical care, mental health care, and rationing prescription drugs. The financial burden of healthcare disproportionately affects those without insurance and individuals with poorer health.

Who is Most Affected?

Uninsured adults are significantly more likely to experience difficulty affording medical care. Individuals reporting worse health status are also twice as likely to struggle with medical bills compared to those in better health. This highlights the interconnectedness of health status and financial stability.

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), has been monitoring the health of the nation since 1957. It serves as a principal source of information on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized population in the U.S. Data is collected through personal household interviews, providing valuable insights into health status, healthcare access, and progress toward national health objectives.

Accessing NHIS Data

Researchers and analysts can access detailed NHIS data, questionnaires, and documentation through the CDC’s NHIS website. IPUMS Health Surveys also harmonizes NHIS data, allowing users to create custom data extracts for analysis. Data files are available in various formats, including ASCII, CSV, SAS, SPSS, and Stata.

Looking Ahead

Addressing the issue of healthcare affordability is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities in the United States. Continued monitoring of trends through surveys like the NHIS, coupled with policy interventions aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare, will be essential for ensuring that all Americans can receive the care they demand.