No relief in sight: Americans are worried (some very worried) about high health care costs

For many years, survey research by health policy research firm KFF has found that the high cost of healthcare is a deep concern for U.S. adults and their families. The latest survey is no exception:

• 44% of U.S. adults say that it is difficult for them to afford their healthcare costs.
• About one-third of adults report that they have skipped or postponed the healthcare they needed because of cost.
• 43% say they have not taken their medication as prescribed in the past year due to costs.

The survey, released in April 2026, finds lower income households and uninsured individuals are most likely to voice cost concerns, even those with insurance worry about the cost of care.

Women are more likely than men to say they have skipped or postponed getting needed healthcare because of cost (38% vs. 32%). Adults who are 65 and older, and therefore eligible for Medicare, are much less likely than younger age groups to skip care because of costs. Such decisions carry consequences, as nearly two in 10 adults (18%) reported their health got worse because they skipped or delayed care.

How about you? How worried are you about the rising costs of healthcare? Have you or someone in your family delayed seeking care simply because it was unaffordable? Share your story with Voices for Affordable Health and join our advocate network today.

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