The Digester

West Health-Gallup surveys show about one-third of Americans have cut back on everyday expenses or delayed major life decisions to cover healthcare costs, with impacts spanning uninsured, middle-income, and higher-income households.

About one-third of U.S. adults, roughly 82 million people, said they made at least one trade-off to afford healthcare.
A national survey of nearly 20,000 adults (June to August 2025) found 62% of uninsured respondents made sacrifices, including 32% who borrowed money and 24% who stretched medications.
Close to three in 10 insured people reported making at least one sacrifice to pay for care.
Lower-income households report the highest rates of trade-offs, with 55% of those earning under $24,000 and 47% of those earning $24,000 to $48,000 reporting sacrifices.
Middle and higher earners are also affected, with 25% of households earning $90,000 to $120,000 and 11% earning $240,000 or more reporting trade-offs.
A separate survey of 5,660 adults (Oct to Dec 2025) found 24 million Americans postponed retirement due to healthcare costs, while 18% delayed a job change and 14% delayed buying a home.

One-Third of Americans Cut Back on Daily Expenses to Afford Healthcare

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