Millions of Americans Cutting Back on Essentials to Afford Healthcare

Forgoing food, reducing utility usage, and limiting driving are among the sacrifices tens of millions of Americans are making to afford rising healthcare expenses, according to a recent survey.

Roughly one-third of respondents – equivalent to more than 82 million Americans – reported cutting back on at least one daily living expense to cover healthcare bills, as revealed by a West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America survey conducted from June through August 2025. This trend highlights the growing affordability crisis impacting Americans facing high costs for food, housing, utilities, and other necessities as reported by CNN.

Healthcare Costs and Financial Strain

The increasing cost of healthcare is not only a financial burden but is similarly linked to a decline in the nation’s overall health, leading to increased healthcare utilization. Tim Lash, president of West Health, a nonprofit focused on healthcare delivery and affordability, noted, “It’s not just that health care is expensive,” according to CNN, “It’s that we use more and more health care as Americans.”

The financial strain extends beyond those without insurance. Middle-class and upper-middle-class Americans are also making difficult choices, such as reducing utilities and borrowing money, to manage healthcare costs as reported by CNN.

Impact on Life Decisions

Healthcare expenses are influencing major life decisions for many Americans. The West Health-Gallup Center survey revealed that over a quarter of respondents delayed surgical or medical treatment, 14% postponed buying a new home, and nearly 10% delayed retirement according to Gallup.

Future Outlook

The situation is expected to worsen as potential cuts to federal healthcare support and the expiration of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies threaten health insurance coverage for millions. If people lose their insurance, more will likely face these difficult tradeoffs as noted by the West Health-Gallup Center.

Personal Stories

Sheila Nesbit, a recent retiree, found that Medicare covered less than her previous job-based insurance. She chose to forgo orthopedic shoe inserts costing around $250 and is seeking discount cards for a $90 medication not covered by Medicare as reported by CNN. She has also reduced her food intake and lowered her thermostat to save money.

Updated: March 14, 2026