Utahns have experienced a range of affordability burdens, including health insurance, medical services, and medical bills. In fact, 69% of Utahns experienced at least one healthcare cost burden, and 86% are worried about the cost of future health care.
This report is a primer of healthcare costs for Utahns. It looks at the ways these costs burden Utahns, the drivers of these costs, and the federal changes that impact Utahns.
Key Findings
- Healthcare costs remain a widespread burden: Nearly 7 in 10 Utahns experienced at least one healthcare cost burden, and more than 8 in 10 worry about affording care in the future – even though most are insured.
- Insurance does not guarantee affordability: High premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing have led many insured Utahns to delay or forgo care, while uninsured Utahns face even greater barriers to accessing medical services.
- Federal policy changes may raise costs for families and employers: The loss of Marketplace subsidies and new limits on Medicaid funding are likely to increase the uninsured rate and intensify cost shifting, contributing to higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs in the private market.
Comments:
7 Responses to “Healthcare Costs for Utahns: A 2026 Update”
Siena Brown
This was helpful but pls make it more kid freindly
Shawn Teigen
Thank you Siena. We’ll keep trying!
Joan
This report highlights a critical reality — nearly 7 in 10 Utahns experienced at least one healthcare cost burden, and over 8 in 10 worry about affording future care. While this data focuses on Utah, these concerns mirror what families across the Western U.S. face daily, especially when caring for elderly loved ones. life1carehome
One area where costs can spiral quickly is senior care. Many families delay seeking assisted living due to financial uncertainty — only to face far higher emergency or hospital costs later. Choosing a licensed residential care home early can actually be a cost-effective, proactive solution.
At Life1 Care Home in Las Vegas, Nevada, we provide 24/7 personalized senior care in a warm, home-like environment — offering families a transparent, affordable alternative to large nursing facilities. Our licensed caregivers assist with daily living, medication management, meals, and more, helping seniors stay healthy and avoid costly hospitalizations.
If your family is navigating senior care decisions while managing healthcare costs, we’d love to help. Learn more at http://www.life1carehome.com.
Joan
This report is a sobering but important read. The fact that nearly 7 in 10 Utahns have experienced at least one healthcare cost burden — and over 80% worry about affording future care — is a wake-up call for families across the region. life1carehome
For elderly seniors and their families, these rising costs make choosing the right long-term care option more critical than ever. Licensed residential group homes like Life1 Care Home (life1carehome.com) offer a cost-effective, personalized alternative to large nursing facilities — providing 24/7 professional caregiver support, medication management, nutritious meals, and a warm home-like environment at a fraction of the cost of hospital-based care.
As healthcare expenses continue to climb, families deserve access to affordable, high-quality senior care options that don’t compromise on dignity or safety. Proactive planning for senior care needs — before a health crisis hits — is one of the most effective ways families can manage long-term healthcare costs.
Thank you to the Utah Foundation for shedding light on this critical issue. Resources like this help communities make smarter, more informed decisions about health and aging.
Shawn Teigen
Thank you for your thoughtful comments Joan.
Victoria Kauffman
Tell me what plans are being put in place to make health insurance affordable for senior citizens of Utah. I moved here in 2024. Since then I turned 65 and am on medicare. The supplement policy is not affordable for my income.
Shawn Teigen
That is a great question Victoria. Your best bet would be to reach out to the Utah Health Policy Project. They can give you the details about those plans. Thanks!