Literally was crying last night because I'm nervous about what I'm going to find out': a record 51% of Americans aren't 'cost secure' on health

A new national snapshot from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index finds that just under half of U.S. adults were cost secure in health care in 2025, a reflection of rising out-of-pocket costs. The index showed 49% were cost secure, down from 56% in 2021 and 61% in 2022. About three-quarters said health expenses were a major or minor financial burden, while roughly half were extremely concerned about paying for needed services in 2026. The data, gathered Oct–Dec 2025, precedes recent policy changes and highlights ongoing affordability pressures for families. Inger Perez, 59, from Encino, Texas, said she cried last night fearing costly care.