As inflation and the fear of sustained tariffs strain household budgets and uncertainty swirls around healthcare policy, Americans are sending a clear message: our current system isn’t working for most people. According to DUOS’ latest national consumer survey, conducted in July 2025 with Dynata, Americans are struggling to afford care, confused by benefit communications, and are hungry for change and more support from the government—especially around what healthcare should mean in the first place.

This data comes at a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, and essential needs like food and transportation are increasingly being recognized as part of the healthcare equation. The findings serve as a powerful call to action for payers, providers, and policymakers to reimagine how care is delivered—and who gets to access it.

Seven in 10 Americans report that inflation is negatively affecting their access to care. Alarmingly, 43% have already had to choose between a medical expense and basic life needs like groceries or utilities. Another 31% fear they may soon be forced into that position.

These trade-offs are most common among younger adults and those with lower incomes. Millennials and Gen Z are bearing the brunt—44% and 32%, respectively, have already made healthcare vs. essential life expense choices.. Even people making upwards of $75,000 aren't immune: 36% of those earning between $75,000-$99,999 say they’ve cut back on basics like food. Findings from LendingTree on a similar topic double down on these food-related trends, as 88% of Americans have changed their grocery shopping habits in response to inflation, while 44% are opting to choose generic/store brands, and 38% are avoiding impulse purchases for items not initially on their lists.

When it comes to routine and preventative healthcare, it’s not just about skipped check-ups in fear of financial strain. Prescription medications, mental health services, and specialist visits are among the most frequently delayed due to cost.

"This is concerning, as habits like medication non-adherence can increase hospitalizations, complications, and overall healthcare costs. For example, morbidity and mortality associated with poor medication adherence costs $528.4 billion annually.“This is no longer a problem faced only by the uninsured or underinsured—it’s a middle-class crisis,” says DUOS CEO Karl Ulfers.

Despite growing needs, awareness of Medicare Advantage’s supplemental benefits remains surprisingly low. Just 27% of Americans are fully aware that these plans can cover services like grocery delivery or transportation to appointments. Similar findings from Mass General Brigham researchers found that while Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have more supplemental benefits, they did not use more of these services and had similar out-of-pocket costs.

This gap is particularly sharp among Gen X, who are often caregiving for both children and aging parents. Nearly 38% of Gen X respondents said they were only “somewhat” aware of these benefits. Even caregivers—who often manage healthcare on behalf of loved ones—reported low awareness, in addition to the age bracket who receive benefits themselves. Overall, 53% of respondents noted that the government doesn’t communicate well about healthcare programs. This means that Americans are missing out on valuable resources that could address their day-to-day challenges and alleviate parts of the financial and practical burdens associated with aging. Despite the widespread availability of government resources, older adults and their caregivers often face significant challenges in accessing and utilizing these tools effectively.

“There is more than just a desire from the American public; there is a necessity to move past endless pilots and deliver solutions that actually reach people and show measurable value—not just for individuals, but for the payers and systems that sustain the programs. This goes for government programs like Medicare, especially now when the stakes are even higher given the realities of the market, as well as the funding pressures. We cannot just strive to add years to people’s lives. We have to focus on enhancing the quality of those years. And we cannot do that through a holistic healthcare journey, if most people don’t know what services and benefits are available to them,” commented Ulfers. 

The realities currently facing government programs like Medicare, especially with the funding pressures we’re under, make the stakes even higher.

Only 19% of Americans say their health coverage is “excellent.” And, trust in institutions like government agencies and employers is low, with most people saying they don’t communicate well about available healthcare resources.

But there’s a silver lining: primary care doctors remain the most trusted source of health information, with 40% wanting more access to doctors and specialists. This presents a powerful opportunity for plans to invest in PCPs as both care providers and communicators of value.

When asked if the government should do more to support access to basics like food, transportation, and financial assistance, 81% of Americans said yes. That’s not a niche opinion—it’s a near-universal call for a broader definition of health.

Close to 1 in 4 people say they’d feel more secure if the government showed a stronger commitment to health equity. Millennials and Gen Z lead in their support for integrating social services into healthcare delivery, which the industry knows as a powerful tool in improving both primary prevention and the treatment of illnesses, because social contexts influence the delivery and outcomes of health care.

This shift in public opinion is an opportunity for healthcare organizations to lead—not just on clinical care, but on addressing the social drivers of health that affect everything from outcomes to costs.

Ulfers notes that “in terms of lessening the gaps that are influenced by social drivers, AI-powered tools can help Americans navigate their healthcare options with more personal guidance. AI can understand and interpret the unique needs of each older adult based on their social determinants of health and care navigation requirements.”

When it comes to using AI to match members with their benefits, younger generations are more receptive. 54% of Millennials say they’re comfortable with AI-assisted tools. But skepticism remains high among Boomers—41% aren’t comfortable, and 34% are unsure.

This education and trust gap highlights a critical need for human-led, tech-supported experiences. Americans are open to AI—but only when it enhances clarity, not confusion.
“Our findings still highlight a major role and use case for AI in terms of helping adults access essential services like transportation, food, and home safety by simplifying the navigation of their Medicare Advantage benefits as well as federal and state programs.” says Ulfers. “AI-powered platforms have the power to connect disparate parts of a member’s healthcare experience by integrating various resources, benefits, and care options into a cohesive support system, breaking down barriers that older adults might face in accessing the care they need.”

The results are clear: Americans want care that is affordable, understandable, and complete. That means expanding benefits, simplifying navigation, and meeting people where they are—especially in moments of crisis.

At DUOS, we’ve heard these voices before. Whether we’re helping a member understand their plan, delivering grocery support to a recently hospitalized senior, or using AI to match people with overlooked benefits, our mission is simple: make care easier.

Because healthcare isn’t just about coverage. It’s about living well.