New Study Casts Doubt on Health Care Affordability and Access 

By Consumers for Quality Care, on August 21, 2024

Americans, particularly those under 50, are struggling more than ever to find and afford health care services, according to a new study conducted by Gallup and West Health, and reported by Healthcare Dive. 

The study shows that just 55 percent of all U.S. adults can afford or access health care, the lowest number measured to date since Gallup and West Health began tracking this data in 2021. For adults under 50, the number drops to 47 percent, down from 52 percent last year.  

The study uses “cost insecure” and “cost desperate” as measurements for whether consumers can afford the care they need. In 2023, 37 percent of consumers surveyed said they were either cost insecure or cost desperate, up from 32 percent the year prior. Also, in the study, communities of color reported that they were either cost insecure or cost desperate at rates much higher than white consumers.  

Cost insecure or cost desperate consumers are more likely to delay or skip medical treatment for fear of going into medical debt. This usually worsens their health care outcomes. These same consumers are also more likely to cut back on necessities – such as clothes, food, or shelter – to afford the care they need. 

Data like these make it clear that consumers desperately need common-sense health care reforms. CQC urges lawmakers to implement solutions to decrease costs, increase access to health care, and improve outcomes for all consumers.