The growing _medical cost burden US_ is forcing tens of millions of Americans to cut back on basic living expenses, according to new survey data.
A joint survey conducted by Gallup and West Health found that 33% of U.S. adults—roughly one in three—made at least one significant sacrifice in the past year to afford healthcare. That figure translates to approximately 82 million people nationwide.
Widespread Trade-Offs to Afford Care
Among the most common coping strategies, respondents reported delaying or reducing prescription medication. About 15% said they did not take prescribed drugs as directed in order to save money. Another 15% said they had borrowed money to cover medical expenses.
In addition to healthcare-specific sacrifices, many respondents cut back on everyday necessities. About 11% reported skipping or reducing meals, while an equal share reduced driving to save on fuel costs. Another 9% said they cut spending on utilities such as electricity and gas.
Impact Across Income Levels
While the burden is most severe among low-income households, it is not limited to them. Among households earning less than $24,000 annually, 55% reported reducing living expenses due to medical costs. The figure rises to 62% among uninsured individuals.
However, the medical cost burden US extends well beyond vulnerable populations. Even among households earning between $90,000 and $120,000, 25% reported making financial sacrifices. Among high-income households earning over $240,000, 11% said they had similar experiences.
A Los Angeles resident, Youngchul Jeon, 35, said rising premiums under the Affordable Care Act have added pressure. “With inflation already high, increasing healthcare costs have forced me to cut back on dining out,” he said.
Long-Term Life Decisions Delayed
The financial strain is also affecting long-term planning. A separate Gall
up survey found that many Americans have postponed major life decisions due to healthcare costs.
Among those who described medical expenses as a “major financial burden,” 78% said they had delayed significant life choices. Specifically, 26% postponed medical or surgical treatment, while 29% delayed or canceled vacation plans. Another 18% said they had put off changing jobs.
Housing and family decisions have also been affected. About 14% delayed buying a home, 9% postponed retirement, and 6% delayed plans for childbirth or adoption.
Structural Concerns and Policy Implications
Tim Lash, president of the West Health Policy Center, said the issue reflects systemic failure rather than individual spending habits. “When families across all income levels must choose between healthcare and basic necessities like utilities, it signals a structural problem,” he said, calling for policy reforms to address the root causes.
Researchers emphasized that the medical cost burden US is no longer confined to specific groups but has become a widespread structural challenge. If current trends continue, both healthcare access and household financial stability could face increasing pressure.
The surveys were conducted between June and August last year with approximately 19,500 adults, and between October and December with an additional 5,660 respondents nationwide.
