For years, the high cost of health care in the United States has been a significant burden on families. According to the latest polling data from KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation), the financial weight of medical expenses continues to shape how Americans make decisions about insurance coverage and whether to seek care at all. Even with some of the most advanced medical technologies in the world, many Americans still find it difficult—if not impossible—to afford basic medical services.
Nearly half of U.S. adults say it’s hard to afford their health care costs, and one in four say that they or a family member struggled to pay medical bills in the past year. Black and Hispanic adults, low-income households, and those without insurance are disproportionately affected.
This financial strain leads many to delay or avoid care. About 36% of adults said they skipped or postponed needed medical treatment in the past year because of the cost. Among uninsured adults under age 65, that number skyrockets to 75%, highlighting how lack of coverage often means sacrificing health to avoid financial ruin.
Prescription drug prices also pose serious problems. Roughly one in five adults (21%) said they didn’t fill a prescription because it was too expensive, and a similar share (23%) chose cheaper over-the-counter alternatives instead. About one in seven people admitted to cutting pills in half or skipping doses to stretch their medication. Overall, nearly one-third of all adults reported taking at least one cost-saving measure related to prescription drugs in the last year, with these behaviors most common among women and lower-income individuals.
Consider Emily, a 36-year-old single mother in Arizona with two elementary school-aged children. Earning about $3,200 a month and purchasing insurance through the ACA Marketplace, she spends nearly $600 each month on premiums and out-of-pocket costs. When her youngest had an asthma attack and needed emergency care, the resulting bill exceeded $1,200. Without any savings to cover it, Emily had to charge the cost to her credit card, adding to a growing pile of debt. Her story is far from unique. According to the KFF survey, 41% of adults report having medical or dental debt, with many relying on credit cards, loans from friends and family, or other lenders to stay afloat.
Shockingly, even those with insurance aren't safe from financial stress. Among insured adults under age 65, nearly four in ten (38%) worry about affording their monthly premiums. Many people with employer-sponsored insurance or ACA Marketplace plans describe their coverage as merely “fair” or “poor” when it comes to costs like premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits.
Michael, an engineer from Illinois making about $75,000 a year, has employer-sponsored insurance that still costs him $400 a month in premiums. After taking his wife for a routine exam at a private clinic, he was stunned to receive a $900 bill for services his plan didn’t cover. “I’m paying a premium every month—why am I still getting these surprise bills?” he asked. His frustration is echoed by millions of others facing similar surprises despite having what’s considered “good” insurance.
The fear of unaffordable care isn’t hypothetical—it’s a reality that keeps people up at night. Around 62% of adults say they’re very or somewhat worried about paying for regular health services like co-pays and deductibles. A similar percentage fear being hit with an unexpected medical bill they can’t pay. Given that even a brief ER visit or short hospital stay can result in thousands of dollars in charges, that fear is entirely justified.
The quality and scope of insurance coverage also vary wildly. Some lower-cost plans carry high deductibles, which means enrollees pay thousands out of pocket before insurance even begins to help. This setup often deters people from seeking care until absolutely necessary—by which time their conditions may have worsened and become even more expensive to treat.
Race and income levels also play a clear role in affordability. A majority of Hispanic (55%) and Black (49%) adults say they struggle to afford care, compared to 39% of White adults. Households earning less than $40,000 a year are significantly more likely to report difficulty paying for care than higher-income families.
The impact of medical costs extends far beyond the clinic or pharmacy. Families weighed down by health-related debt often face cascading financial consequences—such as reduced credit scores, difficulty getting loans, and delays in purchasing homes or funding education. Even worse, the constant pressure of debt can take a toll on mental health, creating a vicious cycle of stress and illness.
In short, the issue of health care affordability in the U.S. affects not only the uninsured or the poor but also middle-class families with insurance. It's a widespread, deeply rooted problem that forces people to choose between their financial stability and their health. Without meaningful policy reforms—such as lowering costs, improving transparency, and strengthening insurance protections—more and more Americans will find themselves trapped in a system where getting sick comes at an unbearable price.