A survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association found that 95% of U.S. employees are actively trying to improve their health and well-being, yet many face significant financial barriers. Half of respondents (50%) reported that healthcare costs have made it difficult to pay for day-to-day expenses, including food, childcare and rent. Nearly as many (47%) said they have stopped or decreased their retirement contributions to afford healthcare costs and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“No one should have to skip buying groceries or halt their retirement savings to cover medical expenses,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “The American Heart Association is committed to addressing healthcare affordability in our efforts to build a world of longer, healthier lives. Employers are important allies in this work - their influence is critical to prioritizing more affordable, accessible care for all.”
The survey comes as healthcare costs continue to rise. According to a 2026 Business Group on Health survey, large employers anticipate a median 9% increase in healthcare costs this year before cost-reduction measures. A recent Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association warns that healthcare affordability in the U.S. has reached crisis levels. The advisory outlines five core principles to guide policymakers and stakeholders toward a more affordable and sustainable healthcare system, including access to high-quality care without financial hardship; minimal or no-cost-sharing for high-value, cost-effective care, including preventive services; shared accountability across the healthcare ecosystem for advancing a more efficient, transparent and cost-conscious healthcare system; strategic investments in the healthcare workforce, infrastructure and data; and strengthening public health infrastructure and addressing health inequities.
Beyond costs, the survey identified other barriers to employee health. Managing work-life balance (36%), finding the time (30%), and parenting and caregiving responsibilities (23%) were key challenges. The vast majority (92%) of employees agreed that health and well-being should be supported in how they work day-to-day, not just through policies or program offerings. Similarly, 93% want company leaders to set a good example for employees when it comes to work-life balance.
The survey was conducted among 2,001 U.S. employees aged 18 and older who are employed full or part time by a company with 25 or more employees, enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan. The data was collected from February 26 to March 12, 2026, and weighted to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of error is ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
The findings underscore a critical issue: as employees strive for better health, the financial burden of healthcare is forcing difficult trade-offs that could have long-term consequences for their financial security and well-being. Employers, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders are urged to address these affordability barriers to support a healthier workforce.
