Healthcare affordability challenges for working Ohioans

For many Ohioans, the cost of basic necessities — such as housing, childcare, food, transportation and health care — is outpacing their income. The median household income in Ohio is $67,769, lagging below the national median of $77,719. Simultaneously, the cost of necessities continues to rise, particularly health care. Total healthcare spending rose 7.5% in 2023 alone, putting an increasing burden on Ohio families.

In light of coming policy changes, this brief presents current data on:

• The cost of basic needs for working Ohioans
• Access to adequate health insurance
• The cost of health care for Ohio families
• Implications of going without necessary care

3 key findings for policymakers

• Many Ohioans are struggling to make ends meet, with almost 2 in 5 families living below the ALICE household survival budget
• Healthcare costs are rising, and out-of-pocket costs are significant, even for Ohioans who are insured.
• Many Ohioans are opting out of necessary healthcare services, often because of cost concerns, which can result in worse outcomes and higher costs in the future.

About HPIO's Healthcare access and affordability in Ohio series

This series of HPIO publications includes data and analysis about the current challenges facing working Ohioans and examines how recent federal and state policy changes will impact access to care and affordability in Ohio. Support for this project was provided by HPIO’s core funders.