Recent increases in medical care costs in the U.S. are forcing both insured and uninsured patients to make difficult choices regarding preventative care.

Results from a recent Nationwide Retirement Institute survey reflect the rising concerns around healthcare costs as nearly two-in-five adults in the U.S. with health insurance reported that they avoided seeking medical care while sick due to cost concerns.¹

"Today's health care costs are forcing Americans to make difficult decisions about when and how to seek care," said Kristi Rodriguez, senior vice president, financial services marketing and leader of the Nationwide Retirement Institute. "Those tradeoffs may feel short-term, but they can have lasting consequences, leading to poorer health outcomes that, over time, drive higher medical expenses and greater financial stress in retirement."

Patients are responding by postponing or canceling healthcare appointments

With 37% of insured adults in the U.S. completely avoiding medical care, another 41% are skipping healthcare appoints all together due to increased costs.¹

According to Nationwide’s survey, insured adults in the U.S. have postponed or cancelled the following medical appointments over the past year:

• 23% of Dental cleanings
• 20% of Vision tests
• 17% Seeing a specialist
• 16% of Mental health care appointments

How are patients financially handling increased preventative care costs?

The price for adults in the U.S. to remain insured continues to climb. In 2025, the average cost for single insurance coverage is on pace to jump 5%, with family coverage increasing 6%.¹ Along with increases in insurance rates, temporary Affordable Care Act tax credits are set to expire by years’ end, leaving many households to face the challenge of steeper premiums.¹

The rise in insurance premiums accompanies a reduction in insurance coverage amounts, as insurance is covering less of patient’s total health care expenses, despite the higher cost of premiums. This forces many U.S. adults into difficult financial situations, spending at an increased out-of-pocket rate while premiums rise, leading to unmanageable bills and debt.¹

In order to cover the increased out-of-pocket costs, 18% of U.S. adults have turned to medical debt and credit cards, with 31% saying they would be unable to cover a $500 unexpected medical expense.¹

Additionally, the financial situation has grown increasing difficult to navigate due to the addition of high-cost medications such as GLP-1’s. The addition has created a gap between patient’s out-of-pocket costs and what is covered by insurance, withholding patients that could benefit from these medicines, yet are challenged with limited coverage or steep out-of-pocket prices.¹

Suggestions for support of those struggling with finical medcial care hardships include seeking out advice from financial professionals, as Rodriquez says, "Now is the time to close the gap between concern and action. Financial professionals have a powerful opportunity to help clients understand the connection between health and wealth by budgeting for routine care and out-of-pocket expenses, planning realistically for health care costs in retirement, and navigating Medicare with confidence. Proactive guidance can protect savings and give clients greater peace of mind about retirement."

Sources

1. Rising Health Costs Force Even Insured Americans to Skip Preventive Care Nationwide December 3, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rising-health-costs-force-even-insured-americans-to-skip-preventive-care-302631820.html
2. Ask an Expert: Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (PTC) Expiration Center on Budget and Policy Priorities October 22, 2025 https://www.cbpp.org/blog/ask-an-expert-enhanced-premium-tax-credit-ptc-expiration