What Americans sacrifice due to high health costs

"One in three said they've made a financial trade-off like taking out a loan in the last 12 months to pay for health care or medicine. About half of those in households earning between $48,000 and $180,000 a year reported putting off at least one major life decision in the past four years due to health costs. Even higher earners were affected: One-third of adults in households earning $180,000 to less than $240,000 annually, and one-fourth in households earning at least $240,000, reported delaying life events."

"West Health-Gallup estimated that almost 70 million Americans delayed surgery or another medical treatment over the period studied - a phenomenon that can worsen the inflationary spiral. Forgoing care can make people sicker and require more procedures, tests, drugs and more. The increased demand for services drives up insurance premiums or out-of-pocket spending to the point where some people conclude it's prohibitively expensive and go uninsured."

"The survey estimates as many as 37 million people put off buying a home, 46 million delayed changing jobs, and 40 million scrapped plans to pursue additional education or job training. The survey says if current trends hold, care will get even less affordable unless significant policy changes are enacted."

A survey of nearly 20,000 adults reveals that medical cost concerns create widespread financial hardship affecting major life decisions. One in three adults borrowed money or stretched prescriptions to afford healthcare in the past year. About half of middle-income households ($48,000-$180,000 annually) delayed significant life events due to health costs, with impacts extending to higher earners. Approximately 70 million Americans postponed surgery or medical treatment, potentially worsening health outcomes and driving future costs higher. Beyond healthcare, 37 million delayed home purchases, 46 million postponed job changes, and 40 million abandoned education plans. Without policy intervention, healthcare affordability will continue deteriorating as costs rise and demand for services increases.

Read at Axios