Rising Health Care Costs Force New Yorkers to Make Hard Choices, New Survey Finds

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Nearly half of New Yorkers are cutting back on spending due to rising health care costs, with a third carrying medical debt, MetroPlusHealth survey finds.


By Staff Reporter

Manhattan Voice

January 9, 2026


NEW YORK, NY - A new survey from MetroPlusHealth reveals that rising health care costs are forcing New Yorkers to make tough choices between paying for medical care and covering everyday expenses. According to the MetroPlusHealth Care Crunch Index, nearly half of all New Yorkers have cut back on leisure spending to keep up with their health care bills, while about a third are carrying medical debt.


“Too many New Yorkers are doing everything right and still struggling to afford the care they need,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and CEO of MetroPlusHealth. “These numbers put real figures behind what we hear every day — health care costs are stretching household budgets and forcing people to make difficult trade-offs. MetroPlusHealth exists to help close that gap by offering high-quality, low-cost coverage with generous benefits.”


Key Findings from the MetroPlusHealth Survey


The survey, conducted in November 2025, polled 1,010 adults across New York City’s five boroughs and nearby counties. It found:


  • 42% of New Yorkers have significantly reduced leisure or lifestyle spending due to rising health care costs.


  • 33% of respondents report carrying medical debt.


  • 46% could not cover an unexpected $1,000 medical bill without going into debt.


  • 21% say health care costs are difficult to afford overall.


Health Care Affordability Varies by Race and Ethnicity


The survey highlighted disparities in medical affordability:


  • 62% of White non-Hispanic respondents could afford a $1,000 medical bill


  • 32% of Black respondents could afford it


  • 29% of Hispanic respondents could afford it


Income Shapes Health Care Priorities


  • Households earning under $50,000: 47% prioritize health care over non-essential spending
  • Households earning $50,000–$100,000: 60%


  • Households earning over $100,000: 74%


MetroPlusHealth Offers Affordable Coverage and Extra Benefits


MetroPlusHealth is stepping in to help New Yorkers with affordable, high-quality coverage, especially for those who do not qualify for Medicaid or employer-sponsored insurance.


Over the Counter (OTC) Benefits



  • Accepted at 3,500+ stores across the city


Rewards Program for Preventive Care


  • Members can earn up to $275 annually by completing preventive care activities


  • Activities include annual checkups, flu shots, and screenings


  • Encourages healthier living while easing financial strain


Confusion About Open Enrollment


While many New Yorkers feel confident understanding health insurance, fewer know when open enrollment begins and ends.


  • 79% understand health insurance basics


  • Only 60% know their open enrollment dates

Awareness is lower among younger, lower-income, and less-educated New Yorkers:




  • Households under $50,000/year: 48%


  • High school education or less: 48%


MetroPlusHealth offers personalized assistance to help members understand open enrollment and choose the plan that works best for them.


Why This Matters


Health care affordability is not the same for all New Yorkers. Rising costs impact lifestyles, financial stability, and access to preventive care. MetroPlusHealth’s Essential Plan provides coverage for doctors’ visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental and vision care — often at little to no cost — while offering OTC and rewards programs to help members stay healthy without breaking the bank.


To learn more about MetroPlusHealth plans or open enrollment for 2026, visit MetroPlusHealth.org or call 866-496-6636.

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