Healthcare Affordability Concerns on the Rise: Gallup Survey Insights
A recent Gallup survey highlights that less than half of American consumers managed their medical expenses while maintaining access to quality healthcare last year. This underscores growing financial challenges across income brackets, including higher-income groups. The proportion of individuals considered "cost secure"—able to afford doctor visits and prescriptions—declined to 49% from 61% in 2022, marking the lowest level since Gallup began tracking this metric in 2021.
The study further reveals that over half of respondents are concerned about covering healthcare services in the upcoming year, with 42% specifically worried about affording prescription medications. These affordability issues affect all income levels, impacting about one-third of households earning between $120,000 and $179,999 annually, and 20% of those with incomes exceeding $180,000. Cost challenges in securing quality coverage or managing healthcare expenses remain prevalent.
Affordability concerns span generations, with every age group, except those aged 50 to 65, experiencing a decline in their ability to afford healthcare from 2023 to 2025. Young adults aged 18 to 29 are particularly vulnerable, with only around a third classified as cost-secure. The Gallup data may not fully represent the current financial strain, as the survey occurred before the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies in early 2026. This expiration led to increased premiums, impacting insurance coverage decisions.
Recent ACA enrollment figures show a decrease of over one million since 2025, with the Kaiser Family Foundation projecting nearly 5 million fewer enrollments this year. In response, the administration introduced "The Great Healthcare Plan" and the TrumpRx platform, initiatives designed to reduce healthcare premiums and offer discounted pharmaceuticals. The Gallup survey results derive from responses gathered from 5,660 U.S. adults via web and mail during the year's last quarter.