Article Summary –
Americans are facing financial challenges in affording health care amid rising insurance costs and the expiration of expanded tax credits, as reported by the West Health-Gallup Center. A survey of nearly 20,000 U.S. adults indicates that 62% would need to cut back on daily expenses to manage healthcare costs, with even middle and upper-middle-class households feeling the strain. The end of the ACA subsidies due to legislative decisions is exacerbating the issue, causing many to anticipate dropping their coverage, while a separate survey shows that healthcare expenses have led some Americans to delay significant life events.
Americans face financial struggles amid rising health care costs, as highlighted by recent research released on March 11.
The West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America collaborated with West Health for this research. Their findings indicate that, due to rising health insurance costs and the expiration of expanded tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) policies, many could be left without health insurance.
Nearly 20,000 adults across the U.S. participated in the survey from June 9 to Aug. 25, 2025. About 62% said they would forgo daily expenses such as meals or prescriptions to afford health care.
The situation is dire for those earning under $24,000, but even in households making $90,000 to $120,000, 25% reported making trade-offs to manage health care costs.
“Middle-class to upper-middle-class Americans are cutting back on utilities and borrowing for health care,” noted Ellyn Maese, research director at West Health-Gallup, in a CNN interview.
As Maese writes in a Gallup article, “In 2026, with ACA subsidies expiring and Medicaid enrollment cuts, millions may lose insurance amid financial strain.”
The ACA subsidies expanded under the American Rescue Plan Act were extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act but expired in 2025. House Republicans passed a package excluding extension, leading to 22 million Americans facing higher premiums and potentially dropping insurance.
Another survey by West Health-Gallup showed that over four years, 1 in 10 Americans postponed life events like vacations and surgeries due to health care costs, with 34% of high-income households affected.
A CBS price tracker noted increases in costs for essentials like food, utilities, and medical care over the past two years.
In a KFF poll, 67% expressed concern over health care costs, believing Congress should have extended ACA subsidies. The poll showed rising living costs, with 41% of Republicans, 53% of independents, 56% of Democrats, and 38% of “Make America Great Again” supporters noting increased expenses in the past year.
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