1 in 3 US Adults Cut Basic Spending to Afford Healthcare Costs

Rising healthcare expenses are reshaping everyday life and long-term plans for millions of Americans.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:57am

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A new report shows that about one in three U.S. adults, more than 82 million people, say they've cut back on basic expenses just to afford healthcare. The financial strain is most severe among lower-income and uninsured Americans, but even higher-income households are feeling the pressure. Healthcare costs are also delaying major life decisions for millions of Americans, with an estimated 24 million adults postponing retirement and many others delaying job changes, home purchases, and starting families.

Why it matters

This data highlights the significant impact that rising healthcare costs are having on Americans across all income levels, forcing them to make difficult trade-offs in their daily lives and long-term plans. It underscores the growing burden of healthcare expenses and the need for solutions to address this pressing issue.

The details

According to the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, the findings come from a national survey of nearly 20,000 adults conducted in 2025. Respondents reported reducing spending on utilities, driving less to save on gas, stretching prescription medications, and even borrowing money to cover medical costs. The financial strain is most severe among lower-income and uninsured Americans, with 62% of uninsured adults saying they've made these kinds of trade-offs. However, nearly 3 in 10 insured Americans also report cutting back. Even higher-income households, including those earning between $90,000 and $120,000 annually and some earning over $240,000, say they've made sacrifices to afford healthcare.

  • The data is from a national survey conducted in 2025.

The players

West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America

A research organization that conducted the survey on the impact of healthcare costs on Americans.

Trenise Bryant

A protester in Miami, Florida, who joined others in front of the office of Rep. Carlos Curbelo to ask him to explain his vote on the Affordable Care Act and take a stand against what they say is 'President Donald Trump's budget that slashes Medicaid by more than $800 billion and weakens the social safety net for more than 113,000 residents in Rep. Curbelo's district who rely on Medicaid.'

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The takeaway

This data underscores the growing burden of healthcare expenses on Americans across all income levels, forcing them to make difficult trade-offs in their daily lives and long-term plans. It highlights the need for solutions to address this pressing issue and ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all.