Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds

Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, according to a recent Gallup poll, revealing a significant decline in affordability and access over the past few years. The survey, conducted between October and December 2025, included responses from 5,660 U.S. adults and highlighted a troubling trend: only 49% of respondents were classified as "cost secure," meaning they had access to high-quality, affordable care and could afford the necessary treatments and medications. This marks the lowest level of cost security since Gallup began tracking the metric in 2021, reflecting a steady downward trajectory since peaking at 61% in 2022.

The decline in affordability is not confined to low-income households. Even among higher-income families, financial strain related to healthcare persists. For instance, approximately one-third of households earning between $120,000 and $179,999 annually and one-fifth of those making at least $180,000 reported difficulties in affording medical expenses or lacking adequate coverage. These figures underscore that the issue of healthcare affordability extends beyond economic hardship and affects a broad spectrum of American society.

Concerns about future healthcare costs have reached unprecedented levels. Nearly half of those surveyed expressed extreme or moderate concern about being unable to pay for necessary medical services in the coming year, a sharp increase from 42% in 2022. This anxiety is compounded by the reality that healthcare costs have continued to rise, driven in part by inflation and policy decisions that have affected the availability and affordability of insurance and medications.

The impact of these challenges is evident in personal stories. Twannetta Weaver, a 43-year-old resident of Sanford, Florida, experienced firsthand the consequences of rising healthcare costs after enrolling in a high-deductible health insurance plan. When she suffered a herniated disc, the associated medical expenses became overwhelming, forcing her to delay completing her degree. Her situation illustrates how the financial burden of healthcare can disrupt personal goals and create a sense of powerlessness among individuals.

Similarly, Inger Perez, a 59-year-old woman from Encino, Texas, faces ongoing stress due to potential health issues and the fear of being unable to afford treatment. Her worries are exacerbated by the limitations of her chosen Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, which includes a restricted network of providers. Living in a rural area, she must travel an hour to see a doctor, further complicating her ability to receive timely and effective care.

The data reveals that healthcare affordability is deteriorating across various demographic groups. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 29, are especially vulnerable, with only about a third considered cost-secure. Older adults and women also report increased struggles with accessing affordable care, indicating that the problem is not isolated to any single segment of the population.

These trends come amid broader changes in health policy, including the expiration of ACA tax subsidies in early 2026, which led to a surge in insurance premiums and prompted some Americans to forego coverage. Enrollment in ACA plans dropped by over 1 million from 2025, with projections suggesting that nearly 5 million fewer people will enroll in these plans this year. Such developments highlight the complex interplay between policy shifts, market forces, and individual experiences within the U.S. healthcare system.

As the nation grapples with these challenges, the implications for public health, economic stability, and political discourse remain profound. The ongoing struggle to balance affordability, accessibility, and quality of care continues to shape the national conversation around healthcare reform.