U.S. Healthcare Affordability Falls to Record Low as Millions Face Mounting Bills

'I literally was crying last night because I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out': a record 51% of Americans aren't 'cost secure' on health

Twannetta Weaver felt like she made the responsible choice when she enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan through her employer, an option that avoided high premiums and allowed her to save for retirement. Then, in 2025, she slipped a disk in her back, requiring medication and physical therapy. Suddenly, the medical bills were so overwhelming that Weaver, an adult learner working toward a leadership degree on the side, had to delay …

U.S. Healthcare Affordability Falls to Record Low as Millions Face Mounting Bills

Fewer than half of American adults can reliably pay for the care they need. That stark reality emerged from fresh data released this week. The share considered “cost secure” dropped to 49% in 2025. It marks the lowest point since the West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index began tracking in 2021. The decline isn’t marginal. An additional 2.8 million people slipped out of the cost-secure category in a single year. They can no longer con…