Business UpdateJun 8, 2026, 11:58 AM
HealthEquity: 36% of Americans Delay Care Due to Cost; HSAs Help
AI Summary
HealthEquity's Spring 2026 Healthcare Affordability Pulse reveals that 36% of Americans delayed or avoided medical care due to cost in the past six months, leading to worsened health outcomes and significant workforce productivity losses. The report indicates that financial preparedness for healthcare expenses has fallen from 50% to 42%. However, the research highlights the positive impact of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), with 88% of HSA holders reporting that their accounts help them feel financially prepared and 43% more likely to find healthcare expenses affordable compared to non-HSA individuals.
Key Highlights
- 36% of Americans delayed or avoided medical care due to cost in the past six months.
- Financial preparedness for healthcare expenses dropped from 50% to 42% since Fall 2025.
- 44% of chronic condition patients delayed care, compared to 25% of those without chronic conditions.
- Younger workers (Gen Z 45%, Millennials 42%) delayed care more than Gen X (30%) or Boomers (29%).
- Financial stress costs U.S. employers an estimated $183 billion annually in lost productivity.
- HSA holders are 43% more likely to find healthcare expenses affordable than non-HSA individuals.
- 88% of HSA holders feel financially prepared for healthcare expenses due to their account.
Price Impact
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