Health Costs Force Americans to Cut Back

A recent survey shows that many people in the United States are having to make tough choices because health care costs keep climbing. About one‑third of the population, roughly 82 million people, reported that they have had to change their habits or borrow money just to pay for medical care. The study, carried out from June to August 2025 by a partnership between Gallup and a nonprofit group that focuses on health costs, asked people how they were coping. Fifteen percent said they took out loans or used credit to cover expenses, while 11 percent admitted skipping a meal to save money. Those without insurance face even larger compromises.Many have put off major life decisions—such as having a child, retiring or even taking a vacation—because they cannot afford the required care. In fact, 29 percent delayed a trip and 26 percent postponed surgery or other treatments in the last four years. Earlier polling by the same teams showed a growing fear that people might not be able to get care when needed. At the time, 11 percent of adults reported recently being unable to pay for medication or treatment, the highest figure in four years. The data point to a steady rise in financial strain caused by medical expenses. People are feeling the pressure every day, and it is becoming more difficult to keep up with health care needs.