Trending Now - Many Americans Cut Back on Meals and Medicine for Health Care

WHO:

West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America conducted the polling.

Approximately 82 million Americans across low-, middle-, and high-income brackets are affected.

WHAT:

One-third of Americans are cutting back on everyday living expenses, including skipping meals and stretching prescription medications.

More than 60% of uninsured Americans reported making at least one financial sacrifice to pay for health care.

Nearly one in 10 adults, or roughly 24 million people, have postponed their retirements due to health costs.

Americans are delaying job changes, postponing home purchases, and putting off family growth due to financial constraints.

WHERE:

The findings pertain to Americans across the United States.

WHEN:

The polling results were released on March 12th, 2026.

Affordable Care Act tax credits expired on December 31st, 2025.

WHY:

Americans are facing sharply higher gasoline and energy costs due to the Iran war, contributing to an affordability crunch.

Higher health insurance costs have resulted from the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits.

HOW:

Americans are borrowing money and cutting back on utilities to afford medical care.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 23:05 UTC)

Today, a new poll from the West Health-Gallup Center reveals that one-third of Americans are cutting back on everyday living expenses, with many skipping meals and stretching their prescription medications. The survey, which affects approximately 82 million people across various income brackets, shows that over 60% of uninsured Americans have made financial sacrifices for healthcare, while nearly 24 million adults have postponed their retirements due to rising health costs. These challenges are largely driven by sharply higher gasoline and energy prices linked to the ongoing Iran war, along with increased health insurance costs following the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits at the end of last year.