Fewer than half of Americans can pay for quality healthcare, according to Gallup.

Concerns About Healthcare Affordability Grow Among Americans

Recent data from Gallup reveals that less than half of Americans managed to pay their medical bills and receive quality healthcare last year. This survey underscores the increasing financial strain, affecting even those in higher income brackets.

Only 49% of Americans are classified as “cost stable,” meaning they can access quality health care while also affording doctor visits and prescriptions. This figure has dropped from 61% in 2022 and marks the lowest level since Gallup began monitoring this statistic in 2021.

The survey highlights a rising unease among Americans regarding their ability to manage healthcare expenses. Specifically, 51% expressed apprehension about covering their medical bills in the coming year, while 42% reported concerns over affording prescription medications.

This issue isn’t confined to low-income households; it spans various income levels. For instance, approximately one-third of families earning between $120,000 and $179,999, along with one-fifth of those making $180,000 or more, indicated they either lack adequate insurance or struggle to afford necessary medications.

Generational differences in affordability are also evident. All age groups surveyed by Gallup, except for those aged 50 to 65, showed a decrease in the number of individuals who can afford healthcare from 2023 to 2025. The youngest adults, ages 18 to 29, are particularly affected, with only about a third being deemed financially secure.

It’s worth noting that the research was conducted before certain recent developments, so it might not capture the full extent of the pressures many Americans are currently facing. For example, the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies in early 2026 is expected to raise insurance premiums, potentially leading some individuals to drop their coverage.

Data from January indicates a decline in ACA enrollment, with an estimated increase of over a million uninsured from the previous year. An organization focused on health policy, KFF, projects that nearly 5 million fewer people will participate in ACA plans this year.

In a separate announcement, the Trump administration noted that a new “Great Medical Plan” was expected to reduce health insurance premiums and provide funding directly to Americans for medical expenses. Following this, they launched TrumpRx, which offers discounted medicines to citizens.