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Worsening Accessibility of Health Care in America
The United States is facing an unprecedented crisis in health care affordability, with over one-third of Americans—about 91 million people—reporting they are unable to afford necessary health care. This staggering statistic highlights a growing divide in access to health care services. The latest findings from the West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index, which has tracked health care access since 2021, show that 35% of individuals could not access quality care today if needed.
Disparities Among Groups
Moreover, the issue is particularly pronounced among marginalized communities. A significant 46% of Black Americans and 52% of Hispanic Americans indicated they could not afford health care, underscoring systemic inequalities in our health care system. As expressed by Dan Witters, a senior researcher at Gallup, these groups are feeling the pressure of rising costs while wealthier populations remain largely unaffected.
Economic Impact on Lower-Income Households
A troubling trend is evident among lower-income households, as nearly two-thirds (64%) of those earning less than $24,000 reported struggling to afford health care, a dramatic 11-point increase from last year. Similarly, 57% of households with incomes between $24,000 and $48,000 stated they faced affordability issues—up 12 points from 2023. The results paint a grim picture of rising hardship year after year, stressing the need for urgent reforms.
Consequences of Rising Costs
In total, nearly 11% of Americans—around 29 million people—fall into the “cost desperate” category, unable to afford both health care and prescriptions. This alarming trend suggests that many are going without necessary medications and treatments, which could lead to adverse health outcomes, increasing reliance on emergency care and driving up overall health costs further. As healthcare affordability continues to decline, the consequences can ripple through society, leading to worse health outcomes and a strain on public health services.
Call to Action: Advocate for Change
Given these findings, it is paramount that we advocate for solutions to address health care affordability. Contact us for more details on how you can engage in meaningful dialogue around these pressing health issues, and explore potential legislative and community-driven solutions to improve access for everyone.
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