A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association underscores a troubling reality for U.S. employees: while 95% are actively trying to improve their health and well-being, rising healthcare costs are creating significant financial strain. Half of respondents (50%) report that healthcare costs have made it difficult to afford day-to-day expenses, including food, childcare, and rent. Additionally, 47% say they have stopped or decreased their retirement contributions to afford healthcare and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The findings, released on June 22, 2026, highlight a critical barrier to employee wellness. “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 a 2026 Business Group on Health survey projects large employers will see a median 9% increase in healthcare costs this year before cost-reduction measures. In response, business leaders are focusing on lowering costs and strengthening comprehensive support for workforce well-being.
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 for policymakers, including access to high-quality care without financial hardship, minimal cost-sharing for high-value preventive services, and shared accountability across the healthcare ecosystem.
Beyond costs, the survey identified other key barriers to employee health: managing work-life balance (36%), finding time (30%), and parenting or caregiving responsibilities (23%). The vast majority of employees (92%) agree that health and well-being should be supported in daily work, not just through policies, and 93% want company leaders to model work-life balance.
The survey was conducted online from February 26 to March 12, 2026, among 2,001 U.S. employees aged 18+ who work full or part time for companies with 25+ employees and are enrolled in employer-provided health plans. The data is accurate to within ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
These findings underscore the urgent need for employers and policymakers to address healthcare affordability, as employees face tough trade-offs between their health, financial security, and long-term savings.
