According to the West Health-Gallup Center’s latest Healthcare Affordability Index, the percentage of Americans classified as “Cost Secure” has fallen from 53% in 2021 to 49% in 2026—a concerning downward trend that reflects worsening financial access to medical care. Cost Secure status, as defined by the survey, indicates the ability to consistently pay for healthcare and prescription medications without experiencing financial hardship. This four-percentage-point decline over the past five years signals accelerating affordability pressures despite various healthcare policy initiatives. The data suggests that rising medication costs, increased out-of-pocket expenses, and broader economic factors are outpacing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility for average Americans. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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