Americans Cut Spending for Healthcare

Approximately one-third of Americans, an estimated 82 million people, reported making financial sacrifices or borrowing money to cover healthcare costs between June and August 2025, according to a survey by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America. This trend indicates a significant impact of rising healthcare expenses on household financial decisions and overall well-being.

Fifteen percent of individuals borrowed money for medical expenses, and 11% skipped meals in the past year due to these costs.

The survey also revealed that healthcare costs influenced major life decisions. Twenty-nine percent of respondents postponed vacations, 26% delayed medical treatments or surgeries, 14% deferred buying a new home, and 9% postponed retirement. These impacts were observed across various income brackets, including those with family incomes exceeding $240,000 annually. Individuals in poor health were more likely to report making such sacrifices.

This situation follows a late 2024 poll by the same organizations, which found an increasing number of Americans concerned about their ability to afford necessary care. The issue of healthcare affordability has become a prominent concern, influencing public economic anxieties and political discourse, particularly regarding insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.