health
Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds
Updated on: June 18, 2026 / 1:52 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The percentage of Americans who can afford access to quality healthcare and pay for medical expenses fell to 49% last year, the lowest since 2021.
- Fifty-one percent of Americans are concerned about paying for medical services in the next year, and 42% worry about affording prescription drugs.
- Difficulty affording healthcare spans all income levels, with a notable portion of higher-income households also reporting struggles.
- Affordability has decreased across most age groups, with young adults (18-29) being the most vulnerable.
- The expiration of ACA tax subsidies in early 2026 is expected to cause premium spikes and further reduce ACA enrollment.