Article Summary –
Research by the West Health-Gallup Center highlights the financial struggle Americans face due to rising health care costs, with 62% of surveyed adults having to make financial trade-offs such as skipping meals or reducing medication dosages to afford care. The expiration of expanded tax credits from the Affordable Care Act is expected to increase insurance premiums, leaving millions without coverage at a time of high financial stress, particularly for those with annual incomes under $24,000, but even affecting households earning up to $120,000. Additionally, many Americans have postponed significant life events due to health care expenses, reflecting broader economic challenges as costs for household items continue to rise.
Many Americans are finding it challenging to manage everyday expenses while also dealing with high health care costs, according to recent findings released on March 11.
The data, gathered by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America with West Health, reveals the impact of rising health insurance costs and the end of expanded tax credits for Affordable Care Act policies.
Surveying nearly 20,000 U.S. adults from June to August 2025, the research found 62% would cut day-to-day expenses like meals or utilities to afford health care. The financial stress is most severe for those earning less than $24,000 annually, yet 25% of households earning between $90,000 and $120,000 are also making compromises.
“Even middle-class Americans are reducing utilities and borrowing money for health care,” said Ellyn Maese, research director, in a CNN interview.
Maese mentioned in a Gallup article that insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs are expected to rise in 2026, affecting millions as Medicaid enrollment cuts loom.
The American Rescue Plan Act expanded ACA tax credits during the pandemic. Extended by the Inflation Reduction Act, they expired in 2025 without Congress extending them, causing premiums to soar for 22 million Americans.
An additional West Health-Gallup survey of 5,660 adults showed that 10% of Americans have postponed significant life events due to health care costs. Even wealthier households reported delays in life plans.
Overall costs for essentials like food, utilities, and medical care are rising, according to a CBS price tracker. A January KFF poll indicates health care costs are the top economic concern for many, with 67% favoring a renewal of ACA subsidies.
The KFF poll also revealed a perception across political lines that the cost of living has increased, with 41% of Republicans, 53% of independents, 56% of Democrats, and 38% of “Make America Great Again” supporters noting significant hikes in expenses.
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