Millions Struggle to Afford Healthcare, Cutting Essentials

Survey finds over 82 million Americans sacrificing food, utilities to cover medical costs

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:51am

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A recent survey by West Health-Gallup reveals that roughly one-third of Americans, over 82 million people, are cutting back on daily living expenses like food and utilities in order to afford healthcare costs. This crisis spans income levels, impacting even middle-class and upper-middle-class families who are delaying medical treatment, home purchases, and retirement due to the financial strain.

Why it matters

Access to affordable healthcare is a critical issue impacting millions of Americans. As healthcare costs continue to rise, many are being forced to make difficult trade-offs that can have long-term consequences for their health and financial well-being. This situation highlights the need for policy changes and solutions to address the growing affordability crisis in the U.S. healthcare system.

The details

The survey found that people are forgoing meals, reducing utility usage, and even borrowing money to manage medical bills. This isn't limited to those without insurance or with low incomes - even middle-class and upper-middle-class Americans are facing tough choices like cutting back on essential utilities or reducing driving just to afford healthcare. Factors contributing to rising costs include increased demand for services, expensive new medical technologies, complex administrative processes, and high pharmaceutical prices.

  • The West Health-Gallup survey was conducted in 2026.

The players

West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America

A research organization that conducts surveys and studies on healthcare affordability and access issues in the United States.

Sheila Nesbit

A recent retiree from Chicago who is struggling to afford necessary medical expenses and medications on her fixed income.

Tim Lash

President of West Health, a non-profit organization focused on lowering healthcare costs.

Ellyn Maese

Research director for the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare.

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What they’re saying

“It's not just that health care is expensive… It's that we use more and more health care as Americans.”

— Tim Lash, President, West Health

“If people are losing their insurance, we'll see more people facing even more of these tradeoffs.”

— Ellyn Maese, Research Director, West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare

What’s next

Experts predict the situation will worsen as recent legislative changes, including cuts to federal healthcare support and the expiration of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, are expected to lead to millions more becoming uninsured.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the urgent need for policy solutions and initiatives to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Americans, regardless of income level. Addressing the root causes of rising costs, expanding insurance coverage, and improving overall population health will be critical to ensuring that no one has to choose between their health and other basic necessities.