Summary
A survey by West Health-Gallup found that many Americans are postponing important life decisions, like surgeries and buying homes, due to high health care costs. These financial pressures are affecting people across various income levels, even those with insurance. The trend may worsen if no policy changes are made to address the rising costs.
Key Facts
- Millions of Americans delay surgeries and other major treatments because health care costs are high.
- Just over half of Americans think that basic medical care is affordable.
- Many people with health insurance still face significant financial trade-offs due to health costs.
- One-third of adults in households earning $180,000 to less than $240,000 also delay life events due to health expenses.
- It is estimated that almost 70 million Americans delayed medical treatments in the period studied.
- Rising health care costs lead to increased insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
- As many as 37 million people put off buying homes, and 46 million delayed job changes due to financial concerns.
- There may be future increases in health care costs unless significant policy changes occur.
