How many Americans can afford high-quality healthcare? A new poll finds the number has fallen

AP News – Thursday, June 18, 2026
By Ali Swenson and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux

WASHINGTON (AP) — Twannetta Weaver felt like she made the responsible choice when she enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan through her employer, an option that avoided high premiums and allowed her to save for retirement.

Then, in 2025, she slipped a disk in her back, requiring medication and physical therapy. Suddenly, the medical bills were so overwhelming that Weaver, an adult learner working toward a leadership degree on the side, had to delay graduation by a year.

Click here to read the entire article.