‘I literally was crying last night because I’m nervous about what I’m going to find out’: a record 51% of Americans aren’t ‘cost secure’ on health

June 21, 2026 - 02:03

A new survey has revealed that a record 51% of Americans are not "cost secure" when it comes to their health, meaning they lack confidence in their ability to pay for medical care without facing financial ruin. The finding comes from the West Health-Gallup survey, which has tracked this metric for years. The previous high was 47% in 2022. The current figure means that for the first time, more than half of U.S. adults are worried about affording a serious illness, a routine doctor visit, or even their prescription drugs.

"I literally was crying last night because I'm nervous about what I'm going to find out," one respondent told the survey team, describing the anxiety of facing an unexpected medical bill. The data shows the problem cuts across income levels. Even among households earning more than $90,000 a year, 38% reported being cost insecure. For those earning under $48,000, the figure soared to 72%.

The timing of the report is particularly grim. The survey was conducted before the current debate over massive cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act subsidies. If those cuts go through, experts warn the number of uninsured and underinsured Americans could spike well above the current record. The survey also found that 40% of Americans have skipped necessary medical care in the past three months due to cost. This includes delaying surgeries, skipping dental cleanings, and rationing insulin or asthma medication. The report concludes that the U.S. healthcare system is now failing the majority of its citizens on the basic promise of financial protection.