Millions of Americans Cutting Back on Essentials to Afford Healthcare
The rising cost of healthcare is forcing a significant portion of the U.S. Population to make difficult financial tradeoffs, including reducing spending on basic necessities like food, utilities, and transportation. A recent survey released on March 12, 2026, by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America reveals the extent of this growing crisis.
Healthcare Affordability: A Widespread Struggle
Approximately one-third of Americans – exceeding 82 million individuals – have had to reduce at least one daily living expense to cover healthcare bills, according to the survey of nearly 20,000 adults conducted between June and August 2025. CNN and The New York Times reported on these findings, highlighting the increasing strain on household budgets.
Beyond the Uninsured: A Crisis Affecting All Income Levels
The affordability challenges aren’t limited to those without insurance or with lower incomes. Ellyn Maese, research director for the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare, noted that “Even middle-class and upper-middle-class Americans are still having to make decisions like cutting back on utilities, driving less, borrowing money to pay for health care.” CNN
Sacrifices Made to Cover Healthcare Costs
Americans are resorting to various measures to manage healthcare expenses, including:
- Forgoing food
- Cutting back on utilities
- Reducing driving
- Borrowing money
Sheila Nesbit, a recent retiree, exemplifies these struggles. She discovered that Medicare covered less than her previous employer-sponsored insurance, leading her to forgo orthopedic shoe inserts recommended by her doctor and seek discount cards for necessary medications. She has likewise reduced her thermostat setting to conserve energy. CNN
Delayed Life Events and Future Concerns
The financial burden of healthcare is also prompting delays in major life decisions. The West Health-Gallup Center survey revealed that just over a quarter of respondents have postponed surgical or medical treatment, 14% have delayed buying a home, and nearly 10% have put off retirement. CNN
The situation is expected to worsen as more individuals potentially lose insurance coverage due to recent federal funding cuts and the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. Maese warned that “If people are losing their insurance, we’ll see more people facing even more of these tradeoffs.” CNN
The Broader Context: Rising Healthcare Spending and Declining Health
Tim Lash, president of West Health, emphasized that the issue isn’t solely about high costs but also increasing healthcare utilization. “It’s not just that health care is expensive,” Lash said. “It’s that we utilize more and more health care as Americans.” CNN
The West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare provides data-driven insights into the challenges Americans face regarding healthcare cost, quality, and access. The National Healthcare & Aging Data Dashboard offers an interactive tool to explore these trends further.