UPDATE: A groundbreaking poll reveals alarming new statistics about Americans’ healthcare experiences, with nearly half of U.S. adults—47%—expressing fear they won’t be able to afford necessary healthcare in the next year. This marks the highest level of concern since West Health and Gallup began tracking in 2021.
The poll, conducted as part of the inaugural “State of the States (SOS) Study” from the West Health-Gallup Center for Healthcare in America, indicates that 20% of Americans reported being unable to pay for prescription medications in the past three months. This signifies a critical moment for millions grappling with health and financial challenges.
The SOS Study unveils stark disparities in healthcare experiences based on geography. Residents of states like Iowa, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island report the best healthcare experiences, with a focus on affordability and access. However, even in these top-ranked states, around 15% of residents have faced prescription affordability issues, while states like Texas and Mississippi see rates soar to nearly 46%.
This urgent report underscores the pressing need for systemic changes in the healthcare sector. Shelley Lyford, CEO of the West Health Institute, stated,
“ZIP code should not determine whether you can afford to see a doctor or fill a prescription—but in America today, it often does.”
The SOS Study surveyed nearly 20,000 Americans across all 50 states and Washington D.C., focusing on key pillars of healthcare: cost, quality, and access. The results reveal a sobering reality: no state received top marks, highlighting an urgent need for reform.
In states ranked at the bottom, like Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada, the report found that adults are far more likely to delay or forgo essential medical care due to costs. The survey highlights that nearly one in three Americans have skipped necessary medical procedures in the past year because they couldn’t afford them, with alarming rates above 40% in states such as Texas and Mississippi.
Tim Lash, President of the West Health Policy Center, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating,
“Spiking insurance premiums, rising costs, and issues with quality and access have dramatically increased the struggle millions face at the hands of a high-priced healthcare system.”
Furthermore, perceptions of care quality reveal troubling trends. While 68% of Americans believe their healthcare providers deliver high-quality care, satisfaction levels vary widely, with only 56% of Texans reporting the same. This highlights a significant gap in the healthcare experience across states, which can directly impact patient outcomes.
Accessibility remains an ongoing challenge, particularly in states like New Mexico and Nevada, where only 30% and 31% of residents, respectively, find it easy to access necessary healthcare services. Nationally, 25% of respondents cited not knowing how to find a provider, while 15% faced transportation barriers.
Joe Daly, Global Managing Partner at Gallup, noted the urgency of these findings in light of ongoing national healthcare debates, stating,
“This research arrives at a moment of intense strain for the U.S. healthcare system.”
The full data from the SOS Study is available on the West Health-Gallup Center’s website, providing essential insights into the prevailing issues facing American healthcare.
As policymakers grapple with these findings, the stakes have never been higher. The voices of the American public are louder than ever, calling for meaningful reforms to address affordability, quality, and access to healthcare. The West Health-Gallup Center is committed to delivering ongoing insights that will inform future improvements across the nation.
Explore the complete findings at the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America to understand more about how these issues are affecting lives nationwide.
