One-third skip meals as Americans cut costs for healthcare bills
A new poll reveals that one third of American adults are skipping meals or cutting back on other essentials to afford health care expenses, with millions stretching their prescriptions and foregoing food. According to the West Health-Gallup Center survey released Thursday in March, these financial pressures have also led Americans driving less frequently while delaying major life decisions like buying homes or having children. The data highlights a severe strain where tens of millions are borrowing money just to keep up rising medical costs across the United States.
Key Points
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1According to new polling data from the WestHealthGallUpCenteronHeathcareinAmerica and Gallup, one-third of Americans are cutting back on everyday living expenses.
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2Millions of individuals in this group skip meals or stretch their prescription medications specifically to afford health care costs.
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3Beyond food insecurity, these financial pressures have led other major life sacrifices including driving less forgoing utilities borrowing money delaying home purchases and postponing having children.
Developments
Two Gallup polls reveal that approximately one-third of Americans skip meals while half delay major life events like buying homes or children due to rising healthcare costs, with uninsured individuals making financial trade-offs at a rate more than double. These sacrifices are driving voter anger and could impact the midterm elections as President Trump attempts to promote his economic record amid fuel price hikes caused by regional instability in Iran.
A survey by West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare indicates that roughly one-third (over 82 million) Americans are cutting back or forgoing daily expenses to cover health care costs, contributing to a broader affordability crisis amid rising prices. The report highlights personal struggles such as Sheila Nesbit's decision not to purchase necessary medical items and medications due to insufficient insurance coverage while also reducing utility usage like lowering her thermostat at home.