Health Care Costs Force Millions to Skip Meals, Meds as Employers Face 10%+ Rate Hikes

The numbers tell a stark story of a crisis that's hitting people in their daily lives. Roughly one-third of American adults, about 82 million people, have had to cut back on basic living expenses just to pay for health care. This isn't theoretical; it's a series of concrete, observable trade-offs that are reshaping how millions live.

The sacrifices are real and often painful. A survey found that 11 percent of respondents said they had skipped a meal to cover medical bills. Others are cutting back on essentials like utilities or opting to drive less. The burden falls heaviest on those without insurance, who report even more difficult choices. As one retiree explained, she now skips lunch and doesn't always take her medicines for cholesterol and asthma just to save money, a choice that directly impacts her health.

The strain is particularly acute for older adults. A study found that in 2022, over 20% of adults 65 and older decided not to fill a prescription, skipped doses, or took less medicine because of the cost. Even more troubling, 8.5% reported going without basic needs to afford their prescriptions. These are not minor inconveniences; they are fundamental decisions between medicine and food, between getting to a doctor's appointment and keeping the car running.

The bottom line is that health care costs are forcing Americans to choose between their health and their basic needs. When the average person is already stretched thin by high prices for food and housing, the added pressure to pay for care pushes them into a corner. The trade-offs are clear: skip a meal, drive less, borrow money, or go without medicine. This is the affordability crisis in action, and it's impacting tens of millions of people every single day.

Why Costs Keep Rising: Simple Drivers

The numbers don't lie. For employers, the relief they hoped for in 2026 has vanished. Instead, they are facing a brutal reality: healthcare costs are expected to increase an average of 10% this year, even after they make changes to their plans. If they do nothing, the increase would be 12%. This isn't a minor uptick; it's a persistent, multi-year squeeze that is forcing a fundamental shift in corporate strategy.

This pressure isn't unique to the U.S. Globally, the trend is similar. Health insurance costs are projected to rise by over 10% again next year, continuing a pattern of steep increases. The drivers are clear and often simple. New medical technologies and advanced pharmaceuticals are the top cited reasons, but the strain is also coming from the sheer volume of large claims and the rising cost of treating conditions like cancer and heart disease. In other words, the system is getting more expensive to run, and that cost is being passed on.

The strategic response is now a top priority. Employers are no longer just managing benefits; they are fighting to control costs for both their bottom line and their employees' wallets. This has pushed controlling cost for both themselves and their employees to the top of their strategic goals. The trade-offs people are making-skipping meals, driving less-are mirrored in the boardroom, where companies are now considering drastic steps like raising copays, limiting networks, and even excluding certain coverages. The message is straightforward: when costs keep rising this fast, someone has to pay, and the pressure is forcing a hard look at what that means for everyone involved.

What's Actually Helping (or Not): Policy Reality Check

The new rules are in place, but the relief they bring is often more limited than they appear. Take the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap. It rose to $2,100 in 2026, a step meant to cap annual spending on covered drugs. That sounds helpful, but the reality is a series of gaps. The cap does not cover monthly premiums, nor does it apply to drugs paid for under Part B, like injectables. For a retiree like Sheila Nesbit, that means the $90 medicine her Medicare plan doesn't cover still comes straight from her pocket. The cap is a floor, not a ceiling on total spending.

Politically, the focus has been loud but the action has been quiet. After the government shutdown, there was renewed talk about healthcare costs, but federal policymakers have yet to turn to broad cost containment strategies. The enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, which helped lower premiums for millions, have also expired. In other words, the political machinery for sweeping change is stalled, leaving the system to grapple with rising costs on its own.

This leaves the most vulnerable exposed. The crisis is not evenly distributed. The data shows it hits hardest where it hurts most. Hispanic adults, young adults, and the uninsured are particularly likely to report problems affording health care. For the uninsured under 65, the numbers are stark: 75% say they went without needed care because of the cost. These are the people making the tough choices to skip meals and drive less, not because they are irresponsible, but because the safety net is frayed. The policy changes are a start, but they do not fix the fundamental problem for those on the outside looking in.

What You Can Do: Protecting Yourself

The crisis is real, but you don't have to navigate it alone. While the big picture is shaped by policy and corporate decisions, there are concrete steps you can take right now to protect your finances and your health.

First, use the Benefits Checkup tool to see if you might be eligible for prescription assistance programs. This is a simple, practical move that can bridge coverage gaps. The Inflation Reduction Act is bringing new help, but eligibility rules vary by state and community. As the study noted, just over half of respondents said they used some strategy to afford meds, from coupons to asking for samples. The tool helps you find those specific local programs you might not know about, whether it's a state-run drug discount plan or a manufacturer's patient assistance program.

Second, keep an eye on your state and local governments. They are a key watchpoint for expanding access to these kinds of prescription assistance programs. While federal action has stalled, federal policymakers have yet to turn to broad cost containment strategies. That means the onus for immediate relief often falls to state and local levels. Watch for announcements about new state drug discount programs or expanded eligibility for existing ones. These local efforts can provide crucial, targeted help where it's needed most.

Ultimately, though, the primary catalyst for lasting change remains sustained political pressure. The public is clearly focused on this issue, with healthcare costs topping household worries. But as the evidence shows, that focus hasn't yet translated into sweeping federal action. The best way to push for broader cost containment measures is to keep the pressure on. Make your voice heard on the affordability crisis, especially as we head toward the midterm elections. Real, systemic change starts with sustained public demand.