Healthcare Affordability Crisis: The Latest Findings from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index
Many Americans are facing challenges with healthcare affordability and access, as highlighted by the latest data from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index. The survey revealed that only about half of U.S. adults had access to quality care and could afford their healthcare in the previous year. Concerns about healthcare affordability were at a record high, indicating growing anxiety about rising healthcare costs.
The index categorized Americans into three groups based on their access to quality care and ability to pay for healthcare. The data showed that 49% of U.S. adults were considered "cost secure," meaning they had access to affordable care and could afford the care and medicine they needed. This percentage has been declining since 2021 when the measurement began.
The survey also found that healthcare costs were a significant financial burden for many Americans, with about three-quarters of respondents expressing concerns about affording healthcare services. More than half of the respondents reported that healthcare costs contributed a lot or some stress to their daily lives.
Certain groups, such as younger adults, older adults, and women, experienced drops in healthcare affordability and access in 2025. For example, only about one-third of Americans under 30 were categorized as "cost secure," down from 46% in 2021. Women were less likely to be "cost secure" than men, with only 42% of women falling into this category in the 2025 survey.
Many survey respondents shared stories of financial sacrifices they had to make to cover healthcare expenses, such as giving up certain activities or cutting back on expenses. Some reported instances where they or a household member couldn't afford prescribed medication or treatment due to costs.
Overall, the data from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index paints a concerning picture of healthcare affordability and access in the United States. As healthcare costs continue to rise, many Americans are facing challenges in affording necessary care and medicine, leading to increased financial stress and difficult decisions about their health and well-being.