A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Heart Association reveals that while 95% of U.S. employees are actively trying to improve their health and well-being, financial constraints are creating significant barriers. The survey, which polled 2,001 employees enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans, found that 50% of respondents agree healthcare costs have made it difficult to afford day-to-day expenses, including food, childcare and rent. Additionally, 47% report they have stopped or decreased retirement contributions to cover 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 as large employers anticipate a median 9% increase in healthcare costs this year, according to a 2026 Business Group on Health survey. 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, outlining five core principles to guide policymakers: access to high-quality care without financial hardship; minimal cost-sharing for high-value preventive services; shared accountability across the healthcare ecosystem; strategic investments in workforce, infrastructure and data; and strengthening public health infrastructure to address inequities.
Beyond costs, the survey identified other barriers to employee health: managing work-life balance (36%), finding time (30%), and parenting or caregiving responsibilities (23%). The vast majority of employees (92%) agree that health and well-being should be supported in how they work day-to-day, not just through policies, and 93% want company leaders to set a good example regarding work-life balance. For employers, these findings underscore the need to integrate health support into workplace culture and operations, rather than relying solely on benefits packages.
The implications for business leaders are substantial. With healthcare costs consuming a larger share of take-home pay amid limited wage growth and inflation, employees face reduced financial stability and long-term savings. This can lead to decreased productivity, higher turnover and increased stress-related health issues. Employers who proactively address affordability and work-life balance may gain a competitive edge in talent retention and employee well-being. The American Heart Association’s principles offer a framework for companies to advocate for systemic changes while implementing internal strategies, such as offering high-value preventive care with minimal cost-sharing and promoting flexible work arrangements.
The survey, conducted February 26 – March 12, 2026, has a credibility interval of ±2.8 percentage points. More than 8 in 10 U.S. adults express confidence in the American Heart Association to provide trustworthy public health information, according to a poll by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center. For more information, visit heart.org.
