Americans Face Significant Challenges with Health Care Costs, According to KFF Polling Data
A recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) highlights ongoing struggles that many Americans face regarding the affordability of health care. This summary, updated with the latest polling data as of April 30, 2026, underscores the profound impact that high medical expenses have on individuals and families across the United States.
Widespread Difficulty Affording Health Care
According to KFF’s health tracking polls, nearly half (44%) of U.S. adults report that it is either very or somewhat difficult to afford health care costs. This challenge is markedly prevalent among uninsured adults under 65, with a staggering 82% indicating difficulty managing these expenses. The burden extends deeply into minority communities, where 55% of Hispanic adults and 49% of Black adults report challenges affording care, compared to 39% of White adults. Lower-income households also disproportionately experience financial strain, particularly those earning less than $40,000 annually.
Problems Paying Health Care Bills Affect Millions
Approximately 28% of adults say they or a household family member encountered problems paying for health care in the past year. This figure rises to 41% among Hispanic adults and 40% among young adults aged 18 to 29. Uninsured adults under 65 report the highest rates of payment difficulties (59%), which is nearly double that of insured adults (30%).
Skipping or Delaying Needed Care Due to Cost
Cost concerns frequently lead Americans to postpone or forego necessary medical care. About 36% of adults admit to skipping or delaying needed care within the last year due to financial reasons. Women (38%) are slightly more likely than men (32%) to report this behavior. Notably, three-quarters (75%) of uninsured adults under age 65 say they have avoided care because they could not afford it. Even insured adults are affected, with 37% reporting that cost prevented them from accessing care.
Such delays have tangible health consequences: nearly 18% of adults say their health worsened because they skipped or postponed care. Younger uninsured adults under 65 are significantly vulnerable, being twice as likely as their insured counterparts to experience worsening health from deferred care (42% vs. 20%).
Prescription Drug Costs Lead to Medication Non-Adherence
Prescription drug expenses also present a formidable obstacle. Roughly four in ten adults (43%) have modified how they take medications due to cost. Specific responses include:
- 31% opting for over-the-counter alternatives instead of filling prescriptions,
- 27% not filling prescribed medications,
- 19% cutting pills in half or skipping doses to extend medication use.
Lower-income individuals, uninsured populations, women, and Black and Hispanic adults report these cost-saving strategies more commonly, illustrating the widespread implications of medication affordability.
The Burden of Medical Debt
Medical and dental debt remains a heavy burden for many Americans. In 2022, about 41% of adults reported owing money on medical or dental bills, which could include credit card balances, collections, loans, or debts to family and friends. Those disproportionately affected include Black and Hispanic adults, women, parents, low-income individuals, and the uninsured. People carrying medical debt are more likely to avoid recommended medical tests or treatments due to cost, compounding health risks.
Insured Americans Still Face Financial Stress
Insurance coverage does not fully shield Americans from healthcare cost burdens. Nearly four in ten insured adults under 65 (38%) worry about affording monthly premiums. Additionally, many with employer-sponsored insurance or Marketplace plans rate the affordability of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses as only fair or poor.
Overall, about two-thirds of adults express worry about their ability to afford future health care for themselves and their families, with 30% "very worried" and 34% "somewhat worried."
Conclusion
The KFF data reveals that health care affordability remains one of the most pressing financial concerns for Americans. While insurance coverage helps, it does not eliminate the financial strain for many, especially among younger, uninsured, and minority populations. The repercussions extend beyond economics, affecting access to care, medication adherence, and health outcomes. These findings highlight the ongoing need for policies aimed at reducing health care costs and protecting consumers from medical debt.
For more detailed insights, updated polling data, and resources, visit the Kaiser Family Foundation website.