Poll: 82 Million Americans Cut Basics to Afford Health Care
New polling from the West Health–Gallup Center on Healthcare in America finds about one‑third of U.S. adults — roughly 82 million people across income levels — are cutting everyday expenses, including utilities and even meals, or borrowing money so they can afford medical care. The research, reported by CBS News, shows people are also stretching prescription medications and driving less to save on gas as Iran‑war‑related energy price spikes and the Dec. 31 lapse of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits compound long‑running affordability pressures. The squeeze is most acute for the uninsured, more than 60% of whom report making at least one serious financial sacrifice to pay for care. Nearly one in 10 adults, or about 24 million people, say health costs have forced them to delay retirement, and others report postponing job changes, home purchases or having children. The findings underscore how medical expenses are reshaping basic household budgeting and major life decisions even before any new health‑policy changes are enacted.
📌 Key Facts
- About one‑third of Americans, or roughly 82 million people, report cutting back on daily expenses, including utilities and meals, or borrowing money to pay for health care.
- More than 60% of uninsured Americans say they made at least one significant financial sacrifice, such as borrowing money, to cover medical costs.
- Nearly one in 10 U.S. adults — around 24 million people — say health care costs have forced them to postpone retirement, with others delaying job changes, home purchases, or growing their families.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, the uninsured rate among nonelderly Hispanic adults was 17.9%, which is 2.8 times higher than the rate among White adults (6.5%).
In 2023, the uninsured rate among nonelderly Black adults was 9.7%, which is 1.5 times higher than the rate among White adults (6.5%).
In 2023, the uninsured rate among nonelderly American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) adults was 18.7%, which is 2.9 times higher than the rate among White adults (6.5%).
If enhanced ACA premium tax credit enhancements expire after 2025, 1.1 million Black people would lose subsidized Marketplace coverage, with 75% living in non-Medicaid expansion states, compared to 4.3 million White people losing coverage, with just over half in nonexpansion states.
Four Million People Will Lose Health Insurance If Premium Tax Credit Enhancements Expire — Urban Institute
If enhanced ACA premium tax credit enhancements expire after 2025, 1.3 million Hispanic people would lose subsidized Marketplace coverage, with 75% living in non-Medicaid expansion states, compared to 4.3 million White people losing coverage, with just over half in nonexpansion states.
Four Million People Will Lose Health Insurance If Premium Tax Credit Enhancements Expire — Urban Institute
Utilities serving predominately BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Latino, and mixed-race) areas have higher electricity rates (e.g., up to 200% higher in some New York POUs) despite lower consumption compared to predominately White areas, based on 2017–2021 data.
Race, rates, and energy insecurity: exploring racial disparities in electricity costs and consumption in U.S. utility service areas — Scientific Reports (Nature)
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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