CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A new national survey by Madaket Health reveals that nearly half of insured Americans are delaying medical care due to high costs and difficulties finding in-network providers. The findings highlight growing concerns over healthcare affordability and access, particularly among younger generations.
According to the survey of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 25 and older, 47% reported postponing healthcare services because of financial constraints. Millennials were the most affected, with 78% admitting to delaying care, compared to 56% of Gen X and just 30% of Baby Boomers.
The data also show that 74% of respondents would delay care if their provider is out-of-network. Cost-related concerns extended to routine specialty visits as well, with 24% saying they had delayed appointments with dermatologists or eye doctors due to expenses.
“When provider information is outdated or incorrect, patients can’t reliably identify affordable, in-network options, leading to unnecessary delays and higher costs,” said Eric Demers, CEO of Madaket Health. “Our survey revealed some difficult truths about our fractured healthcare system.”
Despite cost concerns, more than one-third (38%) of Americans said they had paid out of pocket for services that were either out-of-network or not covered by insurance. Millennials again led this trend, with 68% willing to foot the bill, compared to 44% of Gen X and just 21% of Boomers.
The survey also showed that Millennials are more likely to adopt concierge medicine models, where patients pay monthly or annual fees for primary care access—43% have used such services, compared to 20% of Gen X and 8% of Boomers.
The study found increasing openness to digital healthcare solutions. About 60% of respondents have used online or app-based services, with virtual prescriptions (28%) and virtual primary care (24%) among the most common. While Millennials are the most active users, 65% of Gen X and nearly half of Boomers have also tried digital health tools.
Still, skepticism remains—47% said they are not comfortable with digital diagnostic testing. However, 35% are open to receiving primary care virtually, and 33% are willing to access mental health care online.
The survey, conducted by Censuswide in May 2025, sheds light on how Americans are navigating a healthcare system increasingly shaped by economic pressures and digital transformation.
