High health care costs, especially compared to peer nations, represent a significant portion of many Americans' strained budgets, prompting some to choose to drive less to save on gas, cut back on electricity and borrow money to make ends meet. Gathered from responses by 20,000 participants last year, the West Health-Gallup Center survey estimates more than 82 million Americans resorted to at least one sacrifice to pay medical bills. The most vulnerable and uninsured were most likely to cut corners, but 11 percent of well-off households also reported making trade-offs. "When families across every income level are forced to choose between medical bills and paying their heating or electric bill, that's not a personal budgeting problem -- it's a systems failure," said Tim Lash, president of the West Health Policy Center, in a statement. The finding comes amid continued concerns about the rising cost of living, expected to once again be a key issue when voters head to the polls in November for midterm elections. Another survey of 5,660 Americans at the end of 2025 from West Health found many Americans are delaying medical treatments and surgical procedures because of exorbitant healthcare costs.

The poll found healthcare costs led 14 percent of respondents put off buying a home, while nine percent postponed retirement and six percent delayed plays to have a child or adopt. Expiring subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act, known as "Obamacare," are expected to worsen the situation in 2026. The public health program aimed at aiding low-income households was shielding millions from higher health insurance costs. (Bssnews)