Most Unaware of Costs Before Receiving Health Care

The overwhelming majority of Americans believe healthcare organizations should make the costs of products and services more transparent before providing them.

Over four in five Americans (79%) don’t know how much their healthcare products or services will cost before they receive them, according to a new Gallup survey.

Unsurprisingly, 95% of respondents said healthcare organizations should make these costs more transparent before providing care.

Only one in three (29%) said they believe the cost of healthcare products and services they receive reflects the quality.

The survey comes when the record-high percentage (38%) of Americans report delaying medical care due to cost. And the costs are only increasing: United States healthcare spending grew by 4.1% in 2022, reaching $4.5 trillion or $13,493 per person, according to federal reports.

Many Americans, regardless of the type of their insurance, have inadequate coverage, leading to medical debt and worsening health problems.

Thirty percent of adults with employer coverage were paying off debt from medical or dental care in 2023, as were 21% with Medicaid and 33% with Medicare, according to the Commonwealth Fund analysis.

As the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare in the world, more transparency may help to reduce medical debt and improve the health of millions of Americans.