UPDATE: A groundbreaking study reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults—47%—are deeply concerned about affording necessary health care in the coming year. This alarming figure marks the highest level of anxiety recorded since West Health and Gallup began their tracking in 2021. As costs surge, the study unveils that 20% of Americans report being unable to pay for prescription medications in the past three months, underscoring a critical health crisis.
The newly launched West Health-Gallup Center for Healthcare in America has published its first-ever report, the “State of the States (SOS) Study: Insights on Healthcare in America.” This comprehensive analysis, based on responses from nearly 19,535 adults across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, highlights stark discrepancies in health care experiences nationwide.
The study assesses health care through three essential pillars: cost, quality, and access, utilizing 27 detailed questions about personal health care experiences. The results reveal sobering insights—while states like Iowa, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia rank highest, no state achieves top marks, with millions still grappling with challenges.
Residents of the top-ranked states report significantly better experiences, yet even there, about 15% have struggled to afford prescriptions. In stark contrast, states like Mississippi and Texas show troubling figures: 29% of residents in the bottom 10 states report similar struggles, with 46% in Mississippi having skipped a recommended medical procedure due to cost.
“This research illustrates how ZIP codes can dictate health care access and affordability,” stated Shelley Lyford, CEO of the West Health Institute. “We must address these disparities to ensure that access to care is not determined by geography.”
The report comes at a time when health care costs remain a national priority. Nearly one in three Americans have postponed necessary medical procedures in the past year due to financial constraints. The situation is particularly dire in states like Texas and Montana, where rates exceed 40%.
Tim Lash, President of West Health Policy Center, emphasized the urgency of the findings: “The high cost of health care has dramatically increased the struggle for millions. This study captures real experiences that can guide policymakers toward effective solutions.”
Access and quality perceptions also show significant regional differences. While 68% of Americans believe they receive high-quality care, that number drops to 56% in Texas. The study highlights that only 59% of adults feel their medical professionals understand their health needs, with younger adults and specific demographics reporting even lower satisfaction.
Barriers to care are stark, with 25% of Americans indicating they struggle to find providers, and 15% cite transportation issues as a barrier. The report indicates a troubling trend: where you live significantly affects your health care options and experiences.
As the health care system faces mounting pressures from rising costs and workforce shortages, the West Health-Gallup Center aims to provide actionable insights for future policy improvements. The full data from the “State of the States 2025” study is now available on their website, offering a vital resource for understanding the health care landscape in America.
Health care experiences across the nation are evolving, and the time for action is now. With many Americans facing growing uncertainty, the findings from this study serve as a critical call to address the urgent needs of patients nationwide.
