More than 1 in 10 Americans can’t afford health care, survey finds

Nearly 11% of U.S. adults can’t afford or find quality healthcare, according to a new national study (Source: “Gallup: Portion of Americans who can’t afford health care is growing,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 23).
 
The study from Gallup and West Health found that the number of American adults unable to afford or find health care is the highest level since 2021. In addition, disparities in access to healthcare based on race, ethnicity and income are also at their highest point since surveying began, the poll found.
 
The inability to pay for health care creates financial strain for households, including having to cut spending on food, transportation and utilities to pay for care, and staying in an unwanted job solely for the health benefits, Gallup said.
 
About 12% of U.S. adults report borrowing money to pay for healthcare last year, amounting to an estimated $74 billion borrowed, according to the poll.