UPDATE: A groundbreaking poll has just revealed that nearly half of U.S. adults, specifically 47%, are deeply concerned about affording necessary health care in the upcoming year. This alarming statistic marks the highest level of anxiety recorded since West Health and Gallup began tracking this issue in 2021.
The data shows that 20% of Americans, or one in five, reported being unable to pay for prescription medications in the past three months—a record high. These trends underscore the urgent challenges millions face regarding their health and financial security.
The newly launched West Health-Gallup Center for Healthcare in America has released its first major study, titled “State of the States (SOS) Study: Insights on Healthcare in America,” which provides a detailed analysis of Americans’ health care experiences across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This research is particularly critical as it reveals significant disparities based on geography, explaining the heightened importance of health care in both politics and daily life.
The SOS Study assessed nearly 20,000 Americans, focusing on three core pillars: cost, quality, and access. The findings indicate that while states like Iowa, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and Rhode Island rank highest in health care experiences, even residents in these areas report substantial struggles. For instance, around 15% of people in the top-ranked states have been unable to pay for prescriptions recently, compared to a staggering 29% in the bottom ten states.
The disparities are stark. In states like Mississippi, 46% of residents skipped a recommended medical test due to cost, while the number is substantially lower at 18% in Massachusetts. Other states facing severe challenges include Texas and Montana, where 43% of residents reported avoiding care due to affordability.
Shelley Lyford, CEO and Chair of the West Health Institute, emphasized,
“ZIP code should not determine whether you can afford to see a doctor or fill a prescription—but in America today, it often does.”
This sentiment highlights a critical issue affecting millions as they navigate complex health care systems.
The poll also found that nearly one in three Americans skipped a needed medical procedure or test last year due to financial constraints. The situation in Texas, Montana, and Mississippi is particularly dire, with avoidance rates soaring above 40%. In contrast, fewer than 21% in states like Iowa and Massachusetts reported similar experiences.
Tim Lash, President of the West Health Policy Center, stated,
“Spiking insurance premiums, rising costs, and issues with quality and access have dramatically increased the struggle millions face… This study captures this struggle directly from the mouths of residents.”
Access to quality care is also uneven. Nationally, only 59% of adults believe their medical professionals understand their health needs. Younger adults, parents, and LGBTQ+ Americans report the lowest satisfaction levels. Furthermore, while 68% of Americans feel they receive high-quality care, this figure drops to 56% in Texas.
The study underscores that geography significantly impacts access to care. For example, 66% of Nebraskans find it easy to obtain necessary health care, while only 30% in New Mexico and 31% in Nevada agree. Barriers such as lack of knowledge on finding providers and transportation issues continue to hinder care for many.
Joe Daly, Global Managing Partner at Gallup, noted,
“This research arrives at a moment of intense strain for the U.S. health care system… The State of the States 2025 offers a timely, data-driven lens into how these pressures are being felt by people in every state.”
Looking ahead, future insights from the West Health-Gallup Center will continue to shed light on how Americans navigate these health care challenges, potentially guiding policy improvements across the nation.
For those interested in exploring the full data, the “State of the States 2025” study can be accessed via the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America website, providing vital insights into the current state of health care in the U.S.
As the nation grapples with these pressing health care issues, the implications for personal well-being and policy changes are profound—making this study a crucial resource for understanding the current landscape and advocating for necessary reforms.
