Nearly half of U.S. adults are concerned they will not be able to afford healthcare in the next year, according to a Nov. 17 article from Gallup. This is the highest share recorded since Gallup and West Health began tracking it in 2021.
The findings come from the West Health-Gallup Center for Healthcare in America, which released its inaugural study, “State of the States 2025: Insights on Healthcare in America,” based on online surveys conducted June 9 through Aug. 25 with 19,535 U.S. adults across all states.
Here are six things to know from the report:
1. The study showed another record high of about 20% of Americans who said they or someone in their household could not afford prescription medications in the past three months.
2. Nationwide, 3 in 10 respondents said a member of their household skipped medical treatment as a result of the cost.
3. About 70% said their healthcare provider ensures they receive all recommended screenings and evaluations, and 72% said their provider shares guidance on healthy lifestyle choices.
4. The study also focused on care access, with 25% of respondents saying their care has been prevented or delayed by not knowing how to find a provider.
5. Long wait times for appointments was the most common access barrier. It prevented or delayed access for 53% of respondents.
6. Respondents also graded their local healthcare system overall, as well as on its cost, quality and access. Nationwide, the overall healthcare system received a “C” and its cost received the lowest rating, at a “D+.” No states received an A for overall healthcare or cost, quality or access.
