How rising costs are negatively impacting employee healthcare decisions — and what employers can do to help.

This second release of the Healthcare Affordability Pulse gives employers a clear view into how growing economic pressure is driving delayed care, weakening financial confidence, and increasing pressure across the workforce.

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Healthcare costs are no longer just part of a benefits strategy. They affect how employees save, spend, seek care, and show up at work.

Even as economic anxiety grows, both health plan design and benefits education can build the confidence employees need to face today’s financial and health challenges.

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Rising costs are forcing harder decisions.

Economic anxiety is widespread, with financial pressure affecting employees across generations and income levels.

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48%

of consumers are more concerned about their personal financial situations than they were six months ago.

36%

of consumers report delaying or avoiding medical care due to cost.

39%

of people used a payment plan for an unexpected medical bill.

Go beyond the data.

The Spring 2026 biannual Healthcare Affordability Pulse offers practical actions employers can take now to improve healthcare financial confidence, support employee wellbeing, and build a more resilient workforce.

Expertise, delivered

With 17.8 million accounts and 1 in 4 HSAs nationwide¹, HealthEquity provides data-driven insights to help employers identify practical opportunities to improve HDHP adoption and reduce healthcare costs.

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¹ HealthEquity key metrics reported as of Oct. 31, 2025.