Women Faced Higher Healthcare Cost Barriers
A new KFF survey reveals significant portions of American women delayed or skipped medical care due to costs.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Women’s Health
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A nationwide survey conducted by KFF found that 42% of women between the ages of 18 and 64 postponed necessary medical care due to financial constraints over the past 12 months. This rate remains higher than the 35% reported by men within the same age group.
Why it matters
Financial pressures force many women to sacrifice essential health needs, with one-quarter of respondents reporting they reduced spending on basic necessities like food and electricity to afford medical treatment.
In a survey of 4,688 women, 31% skipped recommended tests or treatments and 27% failed to fill prescriptions due to cost. These findings contrast with the baseline of male respondents, of whom 35% delayed care for similar reasons.
The players
KFF
KFF is an independent organization that provides policy analysis, polling, and journalism focused on national health issues.
The details
The data shows that cost-related barriers affect women across various insurance types, including those with employer-sponsored plans and Medicaid. Beyond skipping care, 17% of women reported cutting pills in half or skipping doses of medicine to manage expenses.
Timeline
March 11, 2026 – April 14, 2026: The KFF Women’s Health Survey data collection period.
September 23, 2026: Official release date of the survey findings.
Health Landscape
The report underscores that despite coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act, cost remains a primary barrier to medical access for many Americans. This data suggests that rising out-of-pocket expenses continue to undermine the intended accessibility of the national healthcare system.
Patients may need to proactively discuss lower-cost generic alternatives with providers or investigate assistance programs to manage prescription expenses. These financial barriers often result in delayed diagnoses and increased health risks for women forced to prioritize immediate living costs over medical care.
The takeaway
Financial stress significantly dictates medical decision-making for a large percentage of the population, impacting basic physical well-being. Individuals may benefit from auditing their specific health plan coverage and seeking transparent pricing information before scheduling procedures.
Further reading
For more information on national trends in medical accessibility, visit Women’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KFF.
Live Poll
Do you find it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities while paying for health care costs?
