West Health - Gallup Healthcare & Aging Survey

An interactive data dashboard that organizes and summarizes nationally-representative West Health-Gallup survey data on healthcare and aging in America.

68%

of Americans Report High Healthcare Costs as a Financial Burden

31%

Express Concern Over Ability to Afford Prescription Drugs in the Next Year

47%

Experience Stress Due to Healthcare Affordability

When asked to grade the U.S. healthcare system on affordability, access and quality most Americans rate it poorly.

Financial Burden of Healthcare Costs

As healthcare costs continue to rise in the U.S., many Americans face increasing financial strain. The financial security of households is being tested as more families struggle to afford the care they need.

175

million Americans consider healthcare costs to be a financial burden.

Nearly 68% or 175 million Americans report that healthcare costs are a significant financial burden, with 31% expressing concerns about their ability to afford prescription medications in the coming year. This widespread issue underscores the pressure rising healthcare expenses are placing on households, making it harder for many to afford necessary care. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted November 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024 with 5,149 adults.

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Access to Quality Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare remains a critical challenge for many across the nation. The availability of care and the ability to obtain necessary treatments continue to be major obstacles for millions.

million Americans would be unable to access quality healthcare if needed today.

Approximately 80 million Americans would be unable to access quality healthcare if needed today. This highlights the significant gap in healthcare access and the growing challenges faced by individuals without the resources to seek care. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted November 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024 with 5,149 adults.

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Healthcare Affordability and Postponing Care

Have You or Someone in Your Household Experienced a Health Issue Worsen After Postponing Care Due to Cost?

million Americans report their health worsening after delaying care due to cost.

47 million Americans have reported their health worsening after postponing medical care due to cost. Delaying care due to affordability not only puts health at risk but also exacerbates long-term health disparities, especially for vulnerable populations. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted June 21-30, 2022 with 5,584 adults.

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Deadly Consequences of Skipping Care

For some individuals, the inability to afford care results in tragic and preventable deaths. This highlights the extreme consequences of a healthcare system that leaves many behind.

million Americans have lost a loved one in the past year due to not receiving necessary treatment because of cost.

13 million Americans have lost a loved one in the past year after they did not receive necessary medical treatment due to financial barriers. These tragic outcomes highlight the life-or-death consequences of unaffordable healthcare, underlining the need for systemic reform. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted June 21-30, 2022 with 5,584 adults.

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Public Perception of Healthcare Costs

The perception of healthcare costs is a critical factor shaping the public’s view of the U.S. healthcare system. Most Americans feel that the system is not providing value for the high price they are paying.

89%

of Americans believe they are paying too much for the quality of healthcare they receive.

89% of Americans believe they are paying too much for healthcare, yet many feel the quality of care they receive does not match the cost. This growing dissatisfaction points to deep-rooted issues in the healthcare system, which many feel fails to deliver value for money. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted June 21-30, 2022 with 5,584 adults.

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Impact of Healthcare Affordability on Stress

Healthcare affordability is more than just a financial issue—it also has a significant impact on mental health. The stress associated with not being able to afford care affects millions across the country.

160

million Americans report stress due to healthcare affordability.

Nearly half of the American population (47%) experience stress due to the high cost of healthcare. This financial burden not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on mental well-being, creating an ongoing cycle of anxiety for many families. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted November 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024 with 5,149 adults.

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Concerns About Prescription Drug Costs

The rising cost of prescription drugs is a growing concern for many Americans. As drug prices climb, more individuals worry about their ability to afford necessary medications.

31%

of Americans are concerned about their ability to afford prescription medications in the next 12 months.

31% of Americans are concerned about their ability to afford prescription medications in the next year. This growing anxiety over medication costs reflects broader trends of financial insecurity, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted November 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024 with 5,149 adults.

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Financial Burden of Healthcare for Different Demographics

Healthcare costs affect different demographic groups in varying ways. Older adults and those with lower incomes often experience a heavier financial burden, which can lead to greater challenges in accessing necessary care and maintaining financial stability.

A majority

of low-income Americans and older adults report that healthcare costs are a significant financial burden.

Older adults and low-income individuals are disproportionately affected by the financial burden of healthcare, with many reporting significant difficulties in affording care. These groups experience higher levels of stress and worse health outcomes due to cost-related barriers. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted November 13, 2023 - January 8, 2024 with 5,149 adults.

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Impact of Healthcare Costs on Household Budgets

The financial strain of healthcare extends beyond individuals, affecting entire households. Many families face tough decisions about how to allocate their limited resources, often having to choose between healthcare and other essential needs like housing and food.

Millions

of American households have had to cut back on healthcare services to afford other expenses.

Healthcare costs are a strain on household budgets for many Americans, leading to tough choices between essential needs like food, housing, and medical care. This financial stress exacerbates existing inequalities and contributes to long-term economic instability for affected families. Source: West Health-Gallup Survey conducted June 21-30, 2022 with 5,584 adults.

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