How does cost affect access to healthcare? By Shameek Rakshit, Lynne Cotter, Matthew McGough, and Gary Claxton KFF March 10, 2026

https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/cost-affect-access-care/?utm_campaign=KFF-This-Week&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_z6NFHNrKtJlG7usFYKa5XSKAe8pCh7qiQiOG5xXGeqz7XXyCBfRo3H0-yWF_KN6YL9Qbm6C4FPu9xEYWzfqlG1hLATA&_hsmi=408653873&utm_content=408653873&utm_source=hs_email How Does Cost Affect Access to Health Care? In 2024, about 1 in 6 adults (17%) reported delaying or not getting healthcare due to cost, based on a new analysis. High healthcare costs can pose a barrier to accessing care for some Americans. Most adults (91%) have health insurance, and the majority of adults (85%) report their health status as at least “good.” Half of the population has little or no out-of-pocket medical spending outside premiums. However, having sick, uninsured, or underinsured family members may lead to medical bills that put a strain on household budgets.