Roughly one-third of respondents – equivalent to more than 82 million Americans – said they have had to cut back on at least one daily living expense to cover their health care bills, according to the survey of nearly 20,000 adults, which was conducted from June through August.
The sacrifices include forgoing food, cutting back on utilities, driving less and borrowing money to afford health care expenses. The West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America released the findings Thursday.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats and patient advocacy groups point to the survey findings as evidence of a health care system that is failing working families. Senator Bernie Sanders has repeatedly argued that millions of Americans are being forced to choose between health care and basic necessities. Progressive organizations, including families USA and public option advocates, say the data demonstrates the need for universal coverage proposals and stronger consumer protections against pharmaceutical costs.
Left-leaning economists and Democratic lawmakers have called for expanding Medicare eligibility, negotiating drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, and capping out-of-pocket costs for patients. They argue that the current system places an unsustainable burden on middle-class households.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative Republicans and free-market health care advocates say the survey highlights the need for market-based solutions rather than government-run programs. They argue that price controls and government intervention would ultimately reduce innovation and access.
House Republicans have proposed expanding health savings accounts, which allow individuals to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. Conservative policy groups, including the American Enterprise Institute, have advocated for increasing price transparency and reducing regulatory barriers to lower costs. They contend that competition among providers would drive down prices naturally.
What the Numbers Show
The West Health-Gallup survey found that 33% of respondents reported cutting back on at least one daily living expense to afford health care. With a U.S. adult population of approximately 250 million, that translates to roughly 82 million people.
The survey was conducted from June through August and included responses from nearly 20,000 adults across all 50 states. The findings show that the sacrifices extend beyond occasional medical bills to ongoing financial strain from routine care, prescription medications and insurance premiums.
Prior Gallup research has shown that health care costs consistently rank among the top financial concerns for American households, alongside housing and food expenses.
The Bottom Line
The survey data reveals that tens of millions of Americans are making significant daily sacrifices to afford health care, a pattern that spans income levels and demographics. What remains divided is how policymakers should respond: progressive proposals call for expanded government coverage and price negotiations, while conservative solutions emphasize market mechanisms and expanded savings options. Both sides agree the issue affects a substantial portion of the electorate, setting up health care affordability as a key issue in upcoming policy debates.