Survey Reveals 25% of Americans Stay in Jobs for Health Benefits

WHO:

Newsweek - Nearly one in four Americans are staying in jobs they want to quit due to health coverage concerns.

NPR - Ellyn Maese, research director for the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America.

NPR - Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF.

NPR - Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute.

WHAT:

Newsweek - A poll found that 25% of Americans are staying in jobs for health insurance.

NPR - Approximately 23 million adults are experiencing "job lock," a term for staying in unwanted jobs for health insurance.

NPR - The percentage of workers in job lock rose from 16% in 2021 to nearly 25%.

NPR - 41% of working adults with three or more chronic health conditions are staying in their jobs for health insurance.

NPR - A May Gallup poll indicated that only 28% of U.S. workers believe it is a good time to find a job.

WHY:

NPR - Concerns about healthcare costs are rising, with nearly two-thirds of adults anxious about affording healthcare.

NPR - The expiration of ACA subsidies in 2025 has contributed to increased costs and workers being stuck in jobs.

NPR - Ellyn Maese stated, "Anybody having to stay in a job just to keep their health insurance... is crazy."

HOW:

NPR - The survey was conducted by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 09:44 UTC)

A recent poll reveals that nearly one in four Americans, or about 23 million adults, are remaining in jobs they wish to leave due to concerns over health insurance, a phenomenon known as "job lock." The percentage of workers experiencing this issue has risen significantly from 16% in 2021 to nearly 25% today, with 41% of those with three or more chronic health conditions feeling particularly trapped. Experts, including Ellyn Maese from the West Health-Gallup Center, emphasize that it's troubling for anyone to have to stay in a job solely for health coverage, especially as anxiety over healthcare costs continues to grow.