Key Points:
- A recent advisory from the American Heart Association signals that health care costs in the U.S. have escalated to a crisis level.
- Many Americans are postponing or foregoing medical care due to rising expenses, resulting in deteriorating health and accumulating medical debt for families.
- The advisory presents five fundamental principles aimed at creating a more affordable and sustainable health care system.
For release: 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Thursday, April 30, 2026
DALLAS, April 30, 2026 — The American Heart Association has unveiled a Presidential Advisory highlighting a growing crisis in health care affordability across the United States. The advisory outlines critical principles needed to tackle this pressing issue.
Currently, U.S. health care spending is nearing $5 trillion per year and is expected to consume 20% of the country’s gross domestic product in the next decade. This surge places unsustainable pressure on patients, families, and the health care infrastructure. The association warns that costs related to heart disease could increase fourfold by 2050.
A Gallup survey recently revealed that many Americans are concerned about affording and accessing health care. In fact, a poll from McLaughlin & Associates showed that 51% of voters rank health insurance as their primary health worry, followed by hospital bills at 11% and medication costs at 10%.
The advisory emphasizes how rising costs are undermining the long-term viability of the health care system in the U.S. and threatening patients’ access to essential care, endangering the well-being of families and communities across the nation.
“Health care affordability is one of the biggest challenges we face today,” stated Dr. Dhruv S. Kazi, an American Heart Association volunteer and the chair of the advisory committee. “The principles outlined in this advisory are meant to ensure that every American has access to the care they need while creating a sustainable system for future generations.”
As costs escalate, many patients find themselves delaying or skipping necessary care, leading to poorer health outcomes and financial strain. In the U.S., medical debt is a significant cause of personal bankruptcy, highlighting a unique challenge amongst high-income nations. The advisory suggests that rising costs are affecting not just patients and families, but also employers, health professionals, and entire communities.
Key factors contributing to these rising expenses include:
- High costs for treatments and services
- A complex administrative system
- Insufficient investment in prevention and public health initiatives
- Demographic changes
- Shifting costs onto patients
The Heart Association argues that simply cutting costs will not solve the problem; instead, strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce, primary care, data, and public health are vital for improving health outcomes and managing long-term expenses.
To guide policymakers and stakeholders, the advisory presents five key principles aimed at fostering a more affordable and sustainable health care system:
- Everyone should have access to quality care without facing financial difficulties.
- Cost-sharing should be minimal or nonexistent for high-value, cost-effective care, particularly preventive services.
- Shared responsibility across the health care system is necessary to promote efficiency and transparency.
- Investing strategically in the health care workforce, infrastructure, and data is crucial.
- The public health framework should be strengthened to address health inequities.
The American Heart Association’s advisory was crafted through a comprehensive research process that included interviews with diverse stakeholders, including patients, health professionals, and public health experts. This approach aimed to better understand the issues driving the health care affordability crisis and to shape potential solutions.
“We believe everyone deserves access to quality health care without financial stress,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “Affordability is not just an economic concern; it’s a vital health issue. By laying out clear, evidence-based principles, we are reinforcing our commitment to improving access to care and promoting a more sustainable health care system.”
The Heart Association urges policymakers and health care leaders to view this advisory as a blueprint for taking meaningful action in addressing the affordability crisis. They stress the necessity of reducing financial barriers, focusing on prevention, and investing wisely in health care to improve overall health outcomes for future generations.
This advisory was developed by a volunteer team of experts on behalf of the Heart Association. Their publications are designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke, offering guidance on health care decisions and policies. More details about the authors and their disclosures can be found in the advisory document.
According to a recent Annenberg Policy Center poll, over 82% of U.S. adults trust the American Heart Association to deliver credible public health information, ranking just behind individual health care providers.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association has dedicated over a century to promoting healthier lives for all. With a focus on equitable health across communities, the organization, supported by 35 million volunteers worldwide, funds research, advocates for health policies, and provides essential resources. By implementing proven strategies and innovative solutions, the Association tirelessly works to enhance health and transform lives every day. For more information, visit heart.org, connect on social media, or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.
Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Julie Thomm – Julie.Thomm@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
