Rising Health Costs Push Some Middle-Aged Adults to Skip the Doc Until Medicare

Rising health care costs are prompting some middle-aged adults to delay preventive and diagnostic care until they become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Following the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, many adults ages 50–64 are facing steep premium increases and high out-of-pocket costs, leading some to forgo screenings or drop coverage altogether.

Public health experts warn these delays may worsen health outcomes and contribute to more advanced, costly conditions over time. The trend highlights growing affordability challenges and signals potential downstream impacts on population health, health systems, and future Medicare spending. Read more from USA Today here.