This analysis explores trends in how the cost of health care affects access to care in the U.S. using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data through 2024.
In 2024, about 1 in 6 adults (17%) reported delaying or not getting healthcare due to cost, including those who delayed or did not get medical or mental health care and those who rationed prescription drugs due to cost. Uninsured adults and adults who are in worse health are twice as likely to report that they or a family member had difficulty paying medical bills.
The analysis is available through the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, an online information hub dedicated to monitoring and assessing the performance of the U.S. health system.
