A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association reveals that U.S. employees are highly motivated to improve their health but are significantly hindered by financial constraints. The survey, which polled 2,001 employees, found that 95% are actively trying to improve their health and well-being. However, 50% of respondents reported that healthcare costs have made it difficult to pay for day-to-day expenses, including food, childcare, and rent. Additionally, 47% have stopped or decreased their retirement contributions to afford healthcare costs and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"No one should have to skip buying groceries or halt their retirement savings to cover medical expenses," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "The American Heart Association is committed to addressing healthcare affordability in our efforts to build a world of longer, healthier lives. Employers are important allies in this work - their influence is critical to prioritizing more affordable, accessible care for all."
The findings come amid a broader trend of rising healthcare costs. According to a 2026 survey by the Business Group on Health, large employers anticipate a median 9% increase in healthcare costs this year before cost-reduction measures. In response, business leaders are increasingly focused on lowering costs and strengthening comprehensive support for workforce well-being.
A recent Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association warns that healthcare affordability in the U.S. has reached crisis levels. The advisory outlines five core principles for policymakers and stakeholders: access to high-quality care without financial hardship; minimal or no-cost-sharing for high-value, cost-effective care, including preventive services; shared accountability across the healthcare ecosystem; strategic investments in the healthcare workforce, infrastructure, and data; and strengthening public health infrastructure while addressing health inequities.
Beyond costs, the survey identified other barriers to employee health. Managing work-life balance (36%), finding time (30%), and parenting and caregiving responsibilities (23%) were key challenges. The vast majority of employees (92%) believe that employee health and well-being should be supported in how they work day-to-day, not just through policies or programs. Similarly, 93% want company leaders to set a good example regarding work-life balance.
The survey was conducted February 26 – March 12, 2026, among U.S. adults aged 18+ employed full or part-time by companies with 25+ employees, enrolled in employer-provided health plans. Data was weighted to be representative of the U.S. population. The sample is accurate to within ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
More than 8 in 10 (82%) U.S. adults say they are confident in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy public health information, according to a recent poll by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center. The American Heart Association continues to advocate for affordable healthcare and works with employers to drive systems-level change.
