Nearly half of U.S. adults are stressed about healthcare costs, with 47% fearing they might not afford the necessary care in the next year. This marks the highest level of concern since 2021. Alarmingly, one in five Americans recently reported an inability to pay for prescription medications.
These findings come from the West Health-Gallup Center’s study, State of the States 2025. The report reveals how health experiences vary wildly across the country, shining a light on the challenges many face. According to the survey, 20,000 Americans from all 50 states and D.C. shared their healthcare experiences through 27 questions, helping highlight these disparities.
Iowa and Massachusetts scored the best overall, excelling in cost, quality, and access to healthcare. In contrast, states like Alaska, Arkansas, and Texas ranked much lower across these categories.
A notable takeaway from the rankings is how those in the top 10 states are less likely to skip recommended care due to costs—25% compared to 40% in the bottom-ranked states. They also experience fewer barriers, like trouble finding providers or long wait times.
The study indicates that even states that perform well overall face challenges. For instance, residents of states like Nebraska and North Dakota have high overall scores, yet still encounter specific gaps in care. This inconsistency shows the need for improvements across all states, regardless of their ranks.
Data reveals some shocking stats related to healthcare costs:
- About 20% of U.S. adults know someone in their household who couldn’t afford prescriptions in the past three months. In Mississippi, this climbs to 36%, whereas only 12% report this in Iowa.
- 30% of adults have skipped medical treatment due to cost, with Massachusetts at just 18% while Mississippi is at 46%.
When looking at healthcare quality, 71% of adults nationwide say their providers ensure they get all recommended screenings. However, this figure rises to 78% in Massachusetts but only hits 59% in states like Oregon.
Access to care also shows significant differences. While 25% of adults say they delayed care because they didn’t know how to find a provider, that number drops to 14% in Iowa but reaches 36% in New Mexico. Long wait times are another common barrier, affecting 53% of Americans, with Vermont residents particularly impacted.
Americans have graded their healthcare system overall as a C, and cost received the lowest score of D+. Not a single state earned an A in any category, which underscores the need for improvements.
The study emphasizes that all states can learn from each other. For example, while top-ranked states have much to offer, many residents still miss out on necessary care. This illustrates the universal struggle with healthcare affordability and access in America.
Ultimately, the West Health-Gallup Center’s findings provide an urgent call to action. As healthcare costs rise, and as millions face financial burdens due to medical bills, understanding these regional disparities can guide policymakers in crafting better solutions for all Americans.
For more insights, visit the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare. Examining state-level variations is essential as we strive to enhance healthcare for everyone.
