More Americans than ever believe the U.S. healthcare system is in crisis, according to a Dec. 15 article from Gallup.
The West Health-Gallup Health and Healthcare Survey was conducted Nov. 3-25 and included responses from 1,321 U.S. adults.
Here are five things to know:
1. Twenty-three percent of respondents said the U.S. healthcare system is “in a state of crisis,” and 47% said it has “major problems.” Meanwhile, 26% said its problems are minor, and 3% said it is free of problems.
2. The share of respondents who believe the U.S. healthcare system is in crisis reached a record high in 2025, up from 16% in 2024. The lowest share recorded was 5% in 2001.
3. Twenty-nine percent of respondents said cost is the most urgent health issue in the U.S., up from 23% in 2024. It is the highest share recorded since 2004 and is among the highest shares since 1987.
4. From 2007 to 2012, more Americans cited access to care than cost as the most urgent health issue. In 2025, 17% of respondents said access was the top problem, while 8% said obesity was the most urgent.
5. Satisfaction with U.S. healthcare costs dropped to 16%, down from 19% in 2024 — the lowest level since Gallup began tracking the trend in 2001. Respondents’ satisfaction with their own healthcare costs held steady at 57%.
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