Deepening Healthcare Affordability Crisis: Insights from PayZen's Latest Report

The Rising Healthcare Affordability Crisis in America

Overview

In a landscape increasingly defined by financial anxiety, PayZen's latest report sheds light on the stark realities facing American households regarding healthcare costs. Released on December 4, 2025, this annual survey, highlighting patient perspectives, has unearthed troubling insights into how inflation and rising medical expenses have significantly influenced patient behavior and trust in the healthcare system.

Key Findings

Widespread Economic Concerns

A staggering 78% of respondents indicated that inflation has made healthcare less affordable, with 77% fearing that the situation will only worsen in the coming year. Notably, the report shows that 71% of Americans are now as worried about out-of-pocket medical costs as they are about grocery bills. This growing economic burden affects the choices families face regarding essential medical care, leading to uncomfortable decisions about their financial futures.

Delayed Care and Increased Stress

The report highlights a worrying trend where more patients are either delaying or entirely forgoing necessary medical care. Approximately 38% of Americans admitted to postponing treatments in the past year due to financial constraints, a notable increase from 36% in 2024. Within this group, many cited the skipping of follow-up appointments, prescriptions, and preventive care.

A concerning statistic is that the rate of parents delaying medical care for children has more than tripled in just one year, jumping from 11% to 34%. This rise reflects a broader trend where families often forgo major life decisions — such as relocating, purchasing homes, or starting families — due to overwhelming medical expenses.

Struggles of Commercially Insured Patients

Interestingly, even individuals with employer-sponsored insurance or marketplace coverage report significant stress regarding medical costs. Nearly half of those with marketplace plans (45%) and employer-sponsored insurance (44%) had to delay or skip needed care over the past 12 months, underscoring that the affordability crisis affects even those who are insured.

Demand for Transparency and Support

The survey reveals that many patients are seeking more transparency and support from their healthcare providers. Despite 71% expressing concern about out-of-pocket costs, only 24% had received cost estimates before their visits. Even fewer were offered financial assistance (17%) or payment plans (16%). Patients' loyalty hinges on clear communication regarding costs, with 83% stating that upfront estimates significantly affect their ongoing relationship with a provider.

The Way Forward

Itzik Cohen, PayZen's CEO, emphasizes that without an industry-wide response to this affordability crisis, the repercussions could be dire, leading to worsening health outcomes and eroding trust in the healthcare system. As the data suggests, proactive measures are essential. AI and automation can be pivotal in transforming billing practices from reactive to supportive, enabling patients to understand their costs better and access financial pathways that fit their needs.

PayZen aims to harness innovative solutions to alleviate the financial burden on patients while assisting healthcare providers in improving their financial outcomes. By emphasizing transparency and support, PayZen strives to foster trust between patients and healthcare providers, making care accessible and affordable for all.

To delve deeper into PayZen's findings and how its initiatives aim to tackle this pressing issue, visit PayZen's official website.