One third of Americans have been forced to make cut backs in order to afford healthcare. That’s according to research by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare.

According to Gallup (Ellyn Maese, “One-Third of Americans Cut Back to Cover Healthcare Expenses,” Gallup, March 12, 2026):

“In a nationally and state-representative survey of nearly 20,000 U.S. adults conducted from June through August 2025, roughly one-third of respondents — the equivalent of more than 82 million Americans — said they have made at least one trade-off with daily living expenses to afford healthcare.

“These financial trade-offs are far more common among Americans who do not have health insurance, with 62% saying they have made at least one sacrifice to pay for healthcare, including 32% who have borrowed money and 24% who have prolonged medication. But even among those with insurance, close to three in 10 have made at least one sacrifice.”

Healthcare costs are also impacting major life decisions like retirement. Gallup reports further:

“In another nationally representative survey of 5,660 U.S. adults that the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America conducted in 2025 (October to December), Americans report having delayed a life event or change within the past four years due to healthcare costs, such as buying a new home or taking a vacation.

“Nearly one in 10 adults — or an estimated 24 million Americans — say they have postponed their retirement due to healthcare costs. Twice as many (18%) report delaying a job change, while 14% report putting off buying a new home and 6% say they have postponed growing their family.”

Breaking News

• One Third of Americans Forced to Make Cut Backs to Pay for Healthcare March 12, 2026
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World Health Systems Facts is a project of the Real Reporting Foundation. We provide reliable statistics and other data from authoritative sources regarding health systems and policies in the US and sixteen other OECD member nations.

Page last updated March 12, 2026 by Doug McVay, Editor.