Healthcare disparities in the United States are continuing to widen, particularly affecting low-income, Black, and Hispanic Americans, who are increasingly struggling to afford essential medical services and medications. According to a revealing survey conducted by Gallup and West Health, over one-third of Americans—approximately 91 million people—report that they cannot afford quality medical care. This statistic marks a record high for the survey, which has been ongoing for four years.

The findings were published on April 2, 2024, and underscore a troubling trend as healthcare costs continue to escalate. Many individuals have also faced lapses in health insurance coverage due to shifting policies. The data suggests that while those in affluent positions see little to no changes in their access to healthcare, low-income Americans find themselves increasingly marginalized. Dan Witters, a co-author of the survey and the research director of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, highlighted that inflation plays a significant role in these disparities. He stated, “If you’re making under $25,000 a year, that absolutely can be the difference between whether you can spend the money on it or not.”

In order to analyze the impact of healthcare costs on various demographics, researchers categorized survey respondents into three groups: cost secure, cost insecure, and cost desperate. The results revealed that the fastest-growing percentage of individuals who are unable to afford healthcare expenses is among low-income, Black, and Hispanic Americans. Alarmingly, 25% of households earning less than $24,000 annually reported being unable to afford essential medications and care in 2024—a sharp increase from just 14% in 2021. In stark contrast, the financial situation of white adults remained unchanged during the same period, while Hispanic adults saw an eight percentage point decline in cost security and Black adults a five percentage point decline.

Witters explained that the regions most affected by these rising costs are located along the Bible Belt, particularly in the West and East South Central regions of the United States. These areas are characterized by lower insurance coverage rates and a higher prevalence of health complications, including obesity and diabetes. He noted, “People that are sickest in this country, that have the most chronic conditions, that require the most prescription drugs, are also the ones that are least likely to be able to afford and access our healthcare system.”

The survey revealed that a staggering one-third of those categorized as cost desperate are resorting to cutting back on essential utilities or food in order to manage their medical expenses. Furthermore, the financial strain is forcing many individuals to incur debt; recent reports from West Health and Gallup indicated that 12% of Americans borrowed money to cover healthcare costs in 2024, totaling around $74 billion.

In addition to these issues, low-income Americans who depend on Medicaid for their healthcare needs are facing the prospect of reduced benefits. In February, House Republicans passed a budget proposal that could slash $880 billion from Medicaid funding over the next decade. The Economic Policy Institute has warned that these cuts are likely to disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic Americans, who are more reliant on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage.

The urgency of these findings prompts a call to action. Individuals who have experienced difficulties affording medical costs are encouraged to share their stories. Those interested can reach out to the reporter at jdeng@businessinsider.com.