New Study Reveals Half of Working-age Americans Struggle with Healthcare Costs, Medical Debt Extends to Insured Workers as Well

Strain on finances leads to delayed and avoided healthcare across all insurance types, impacting lower-income workers disproportionately; effects extend to food, housing, and other essentials, exacerbating U.S. health and wealth disparities.

The Commonwealth Fund 2023 Health Care Affordability Survey found that half of the working-age Americans struggle to afford their healthcare costs. Even those with health insurance are not exempted, with 43% of people with job-based health insurance experiencing affordability issues.
Lower-income workers with job-based insurance are disproportionately affected by healthcare costs. However, 30% of covered employees who earn more than 400% of the federal poverty level also reported challenges with affording medical costs.
Medical costs are hindering Americans from affording other essential needs like food, housing, and utilities. For instance, 57% of uninsured people and 30% of those with private insurance said healthcare costs made paying for food more challenging.
Healthcare costs have led people to delay or avoid needed care. About 36% of survey respondents confirmed that they or a family member had put off or skipped needed healthcare, including prescription drugs, due to costs. This delay often results in worsened health problems.
Medical debt is a substantial issue in the United States, with 32% of respondents having ongoing medical or dental bills. Among respondents with current medical debt, most owe at least $500, and nearly half reported $2,000 or more in outstanding medical or dental bills.