Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs: Insights from KFF Polling Data
The high cost of health care in the United States continues to be a significant burden for many families, according to recent polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). This comprehensive research highlights the financial struggles Americans face when seeking medical care, the impact of those costs on health decisions, and the broader implications on public worry and insurance experiences.
Difficulty Affording Health Care Costs Remains Widespread
KFF’s most recent surveys reveal that just under half of U.S. adults (44%) consider it very or somewhat difficult to afford health care costs. The challenge is particularly pronounced among uninsured adults under 65, with 82% reporting difficulty affording care, a stark contrast to 42% of insured individuals. Hispanic and Black adults also experience heightened difficulty, with 55% of Hispanic adults and 49% of Black adults saying they struggle to afford medical expenses, compared to 39% of White adults. Economic status plays a crucial role: adults from households earning less than $40,000 annually report greater financial strain than those in higher income brackets.
Significant Proportion Encounter Problems Paying Medical Bills
About 28% of adults report that they or a family member had problems paying for health care in the previous year. This issue disproportionately affects certain groups—41% of Hispanic adults and 40% of young adults aged 18 to 29 have faced such difficulties. Among uninsured adults under 65, the figure rises dramatically to 59%, nearly twice that of their insured counterparts (30%).
Health Care Costs Lead Many to Delay or Skip Needed Care
Cost-related barriers cause approximately 36% of adults to skip or postpone necessary health care within the past 12 months. Women are slightly more likely than men to report delaying care due to cost (38% versus 32%). Seniors aged 65 and older, the majority of whom benefit from Medicare coverage, are less likely to forgo care because of financial reasons.
Uninsured adults are particularly vulnerable, with three-quarters (75%) saying they have skipped or postponed needed health care because of cost. Even among insured adults, this problem is significant, with about 37% reporting cost as the reason for not receiving needed care.
Delaying care due to cost has health repercussions: 18% of adults say their health worsened as a result. For uninsured adults under 65, the risk is double that of insured peers (42% vs. 20%). Additionally, adults under 65 are four times more likely to report health deterioration after skipping care compared to those over 65. ### Medical Debt Remains a Heavy Financial Burden
Medical and dental debt affects about 41% of adults, encompassing debts owed to credit cards, collection agencies, family and friends, banks, and other lenders. The burden falls disproportionately on Black and Hispanic adults, women, parents, lower-income individuals, and the uninsured. Medical debt also influences decisions to avoid recommended medical tests or treatment, with 51% of those currently experiencing such debt reporting cost as a barrier to necessary care.
Prescription Drug Costs Lead Many to Find Cost-Saving Measures
Prescription medication expenses are another critical area where cost pressures manifest. About 21% of adults say they have not filled a prescription due to cost, and 23% have opted for over-the-counter alternatives instead. Furthermore, approximately 15% have cut pills in half or skipped doses in the past year to save money. Altogether, one-third of adults report taking at least one such measure, including a higher proportion of women and individuals with lower incomes.
Health Insurance Coverage Does Not Guarantee Protection from Cost Burdens
Even those with health insurance continue to face financial worries related to health care. Nearly 38% of insured adults under 65 worry about affording their monthly premiums. Large shares of individuals with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) or Marketplace coverage rate their insurance as “fair” or “poor” concerning monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for medical visits.
Overall, about two-thirds of adults express concern about affording medical costs, with 32% being “very worried” and 34% “somewhat worried.” Health care expenses top the list of financial concerns, surpassing worries about food, utilities, and other basic household needs.
Conclusion
The KFF polling data underscores the pervasive nature of health care cost challenges in the U.S., affecting insured and uninsured populations alike. The financial strain leads many to delay or avoid necessary medical care, which in turn contributes to declining health outcomes and growing medical debt. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued policy efforts to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans.
This summary is based on the latest KFF polling data updated as of January 29, 2026, and reflects findings from surveys conducted over recent years.