March 13th, 2026 Local News
Washington, D.C. (KFMO) - A new national survey suggests the rising cost of health care is forcing many Americans to make difficult financial choices.
The report from the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America found that roughly one-third of Americans say they have cut spending or borrowed money to afford medical care.
According to the survey, 15 percent of respondents said they borrowed money within the past year to pay medical bills. Another 11 percent reported skipping meals in order to afford health care costs.
The financial strain is also affecting everyday decisions and long-term plans. More than a quarter of those surveyed said they postponed surgery or delayed vacations because of medical expenses.
Researchers say the impact is not limited to lower-income households. Even families earning more than $200,000 per year reported delaying major life milestones, including buying a home, having children, or retiring.
Health insurance costs remain a major factor. The survey notes that average annual premiums for employer-sponsored family coverage have climbed to nearly $27,000 per year.
Health policy experts say the findings highlight the growing burden of medical costs across income levels and the difficult choices many Americans are making to manage those expenses.