A survey found 32% of insured Americans took on medical debt, with nearly half of parents affected.
Some considered alternatives: borrowing from friends or family (16%), travel health insurance (11%), or moving abroad (10%).
Financial strain pushed >1/3 to consider dropping coverage; ~2/3 of Gen Zers considered it; 20% previously dropped.
Cost-driven health risks: 29% delayed or avoided care yearly; ~1/4 split pills, skipped doses, or left prescriptions unfilled.
To afford insurance, nearly half made sacrifices like cutting food/household needs (20%) and personal spending (20%).
