Dealing with health concerns on a budget can be stressful. But what happens when the money stress is the cause of health problems?
For most Americans, this isn’t hypothetical. A recent “Health is Wealth” survey from Money Lion and Mastercard shows a staggering 66% of U.S. adults report experiencing physical symptoms caused by financial stress. These symptoms often manifest as sleepless nights, headaches, and even skipped medical care. To add fuel to the fire, the broken reality of healthcare costs and inadequate insurance coverage in the U.S. creates unique challenges that disproportionately impact physical and mental well-being.
The Shocking Cost of Healthcare in America
The United States spends more on healthcare per capita than any other developed nation, yet many Americans don’t feel the benefits. A common frustration lies in the inscrutable costs tied to everything from basic consultations to emergency room visits. A single trip to the ER costs an average of $2700, uncertain whether insurance will cover it, if an individual even has it.
The MoneyLion report highlights how financial insecurity translates directly to poor health outcomes, finding that nearly 6 in 10 adults (59%) skip necessary health-related activities due to costs. Skipping a doctor’s visit (25%) or dropping plans for fitness classes (17%) may save money in the short term, but the long-term consequences can be devastating.
Inflation and the Rising Costs of Healthy Living
Recent inflation has only made matters worse for consumers trying to prioritize their health. The report revealed that 67% of Americans feel inflation has negatively impacted their physical or mental health. Rising costs have led many to cut back on healthy groceries, like fresh fruits and vegetables, which can now cost nearly twice (according to a 2025 Broken Plate Survey) as much as convenient, processed alternatives.
For families, couples, and individuals alike, these high costs of daily life can equate to having to choose between buying nutritious food and paying for essentials like rent, utilities, and healthcare. Sadly, many Americans don’t have a savings buffer for emergency costs, making healthcare feel like a luxury they can’t afford.
The Insurance Myth: Coverage That Isn’t Comprehensive
For those who think insurance is enough to protect against affordability issues, think again. U.S. insurance systems are riddled with high premiums, deductibles, and hidden fees that inhibit widespread access to care. A Commonwealth Fund 2024 report found that nearly 23% of working-age Americans were either inadequately insured.
Even among those insured, the barriers aren’t minimal. Patients often face surprise bills, denied claims, and confusing exclusions. A simple preventative check-up may be billed hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket, sidelining many who could have addressed minor concerns before they became major.
How Financial Stress Becomes Physical Symptoms
The emotional toll of financial troubles has ripple effects on one’s health. According to the “Health Is Wealth” report, 40% of Americans endure trouble sleeping, 37% report frequent headaches, and countless more experience other chronic stress responses directly linked to financial hardship. These symptoms are warning signs of bigger issues, as chronic stress has been scientifically tied to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression.
Barriers to Empowerment and Education
The report highlights how financial literacy could be a proactive solution. A full 75% of respondents believe that financial education would improve their overall well-being, and 22% even said a better grasp of finances would improve how they look physically. This suggests that money confidence could literally change lives.
Yet, accessing better financial tools and education isn’t as simple as it should be. Approximately 56% of U.S. adults cite barriers to learning about personal finance, with the most significant roadblocks being a lack of accessible, beginner-friendly resources. Many respondents felt overwhelmed or bored by the traditional resources available, preferring content that is simplified, visually engaging, and, crucially, personalized to their unique situations.
Is There a Way Out? Steps Toward a Healthier Future
Fixing the relationship between financial security and health starts with systemic change. Expanding access to insurance, capping medical costs, and reducing predatory billing practices should be national priorities. At the same time, there is personal empowerment to be found in accessible education and small, actionable changes. For instance, consumers can start by understanding high-interest debt, creating emergency savings funds, and advocating for themselves in healthcare settings.
Employers also have a role to play, with many now understanding that financial wellness programs lead to healthier, happier employees. These programs can provide resources like financial counseling, equity purchase plans, or stipends for health and wellness services.
Real Wealth Is More Than Money
The saying “health is wealth” isn’t just a cliché; it’s a literal reality for millions of Americans. When financial barriers force people to choose between basic healthcare needs and affording other essentials, the result is a country where both individuals and society bear the burden of unmanaged health problems.
The MoneyLion report emphasizes that financial freedom isn’t just about affording luxuries; it’s about the ability to access the care, nutrition, and peace of mind needed to live a long and fulfilling life. By breaking the cycle of financial stress and poor health outcomes, America can move toward a future where true wealth is measured not in dollars but in well-being.
