NEW YORK (Web Desk): A new survey has revealed that nearly one in three people in the United States made significant sacrifices last year to cover rising healthcare costs.
The survey, conducted by the West Health-Gallup Center and based on responses from about 20,000 participants, found that more than 82 million Americans skipped meals, rationed medicines or made other difficult choices in order to pay medical bills.
High healthcare expenses, especially compared with other developed nations, continue to strain household budgets. Many respondents reported cutting back on daily expenses such as driving less to save fuel, reducing electricity use or borrowing money to manage their finances.
According to Tim Lash, families across all income levels are facing difficult decisions. He said that when households must choose between paying medical bills and covering basic utilities such as heating or electricity, it reflects a deeper systemic problem rather than a simple budgeting issue.
Pakistan want’s trade, not aid, says Bilawal
The findings come as rising living costs remain a major public concern ahead of upcoming elections in the United States. Another survey conducted in late 2025 also showed that many Americans are delaying medical procedures because of high costs.
The poll revealed that 14 percent of respondents postponed buying a home, nine percent delayed retirement, and six percent put off plans to have or adopt a child due to healthcare expenses.
Experts warn the situation could worsen in 2026 as subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act—often referred to as Obamacare—begin to expire. These subsidies had helped millions of Americans manage health insurance costs.
Unlike several developed countries such as France, the United States does not have a universal public healthcare system, despite spending more on healthcare than other members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.