Americans cut essentials and stretch medications to afford health care

New West Health–Gallup polling finds about one-third of Americans—roughly 82 million—are reducing everyday spending and stretching prescription medications to afford health care.

About one-third of U.S. adults report cutting basic living expenses and stretching prescriptions so they can pay for health care, according to new polling from the West Health–Gallup Center on Healthcare in America. The research describes people across low, middle and high incomes taking steps such as driving less, reducing utilities or borrowing money to meet medical bills. The findings were released amid higher gasoline and energy costs and after Affordable Care Act tax credits expired at the end of December. The poll also reports effects on major life choices, including postponed retirements and delayed family or housing plans. Key findings: - About one-third of adults report reducing everyday spending and stretching medications to afford health care. - The poll estimates roughly 82 million Americans are cutting utilities, driving less, borrowing, or taking similar steps to cover medical costs. - More than 60% of people without health insurance say they made at least one financial sacrifice to pay for care. - Nearly one in ten adults—about 24 million people—say health costs forced them to postpone retirement, and others reported delaying job changes or family planning. Summary: The polling indicates widespread financial strain tied to health costs across income levels and among uninsured people in particular. Undetermined at this time.