How many Americans can afford high-quality health care? A new poll finds the number has fallen

A new poll conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago found that the number of Americans who can afford high-quality health care has fallen. In 2023, 70% of Americans reported being able to afford the health care they needed, a decrease from 77% in 2022. This decline is particularly concerning for individuals with chronic conditions or unexpected medical emergencies, as illustrated by the experience of Twannetta Weaver. Weaver enrolled in a high-deductible plan to manage costs but faced overwhelming medical bills after a back injury in 2025, forcing her to postpone her education. The poll surveyed 1,024 adults between January 11-15, 2024, and revealed that affordability remains a significant barrier to accessing necessary medical services for a growing segment of the population. Factors contributing to this trend may include rising healthcare costs and the increasing prevalence of high-deductible insurance plans that shift more financial responsibility onto patients.