West Health-Gallup Affordability Index

A record 51% of Americans are not 'cost secure' on healthcare, with 49% of adults able to afford care and access quality services in 2025, down from 56% in 2021. Rising medical costs forced Twannetta Weaver to delay her education, while 59-year-old Inger Perez expressed anxiety over potential health diagnoses and affordability.

A new poll by the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index shows that only 49% of U.S. adults could afford high-quality healthcare in 2025, down from 56% in 2021. Rising healthcare costs and financial burdens are causing increasing anxiety, with half of respondents concerned about paying for needed care in 2026. The survey highlights struggles like Twannetta Weaver’s, who delayed education due to medical expenses, and Inger Perez’s fears about health results.

A new poll shows only 49% of U.S. adults could afford high-quality healthcare in 2025, down from 56% in 2021. Rising medical costs and high-deductible insurance plans are straining households, with 75% of adults reporting healthcare costs as a financial burden and 50% expressing concern about affording care in 2026.

A new poll by the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index reveals that only 49% of U.S. adults could afford high-quality healthcare in 2025, down from 56% in 2021. Rising healthcare costs and financial burdens have left many Americans, like Twannetta Weaver and Inger Perez, struggling to balance medical expenses with other essential needs, with half of respondents expressing concern about affording care in 2026.