HealthEquity Survey Finds 36% Delay Care and Preparedness Drops from 50% to 42%
HQY•HealthEquity’s Spring 2026 survey found 36% of US adults delayed or avoided medical care in the past six months and the share feeling financially prepared for healthcare costs fell from 50% to 42%. HSA holders report 43% higher affordability likelihood, with 49% feeling ready to cover routine expenses versus 36% of non-holders, underscoring growth potential for HealthEquity’s 17 million accounts.
1. Survey Methodology and Key Findings
HealthEquity’s Spring 2026 survey of 1,031 full-time, part-time and self-employed healthcare decision makers found that 36% of respondents delayed or avoided needed care in the past six months. Despite a 16-point rise in benefits understanding since Fall 2025, the share feeling financially prepared for healthcare expenses dropped from 50% to 42%.
2. Workforce Productivity Impact
Healthcare cost pressures lead to an average loss of 7.3 work hours per employee each week, translating into an estimated $183 billion annual cost to US employers. Younger workers report higher distraction rates, with Millennials four times more likely than Boomers to be highly distracted by financial stress at work.
3. HSA Holder Financial Advantages
HSA holders are 43% more likely to say their healthcare expenses are affordable, with 49% feeling prepared for routine costs versus 36% of non-holders. Additionally, 88% say their HSA boosts financial security, benefits literacy is 72% among holders versus 64% for non-holders, and 27% of informed holders report strong cost control compared to 9% of others.
4. Implications for HealthEquity Growth
The data highlight the critical role of HSAs in improving financial readiness and may drive increased employer adoption as part of workforce resilience strategies. HealthEquity’s administration of 17 million HSA accounts positions the company to capitalize on rising demand for consumer-directed benefits solutions.
