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23 Million U.S. Workers Stay in Jobs for Health Insurance

7/24/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Twenty-three million U.S. workers—24% of adults—stay in jobs to keep health insurance, an eight-point rise since 2021.
The Oct 27–Dec 22 2025 West Health-Gallup survey of 2,322 respondents found 29% of those with a chronic condition stay in jobs because of insurance.
44% with medical debt and 37% who borrowed for health costs say they remain in unwanted jobs.
51% worry about affording health care in the next 12 months, a five-year high.

History

Historical Context

President Richard Nixon signed the Health Maintenance Organization Act on December 29 1973, obligating employers with 25+ staff to offer HMO options alongside plans. The dual-choice rule sparked rapid enrollment; by the late 1970s HMOs expanded from fewer than 40 providers in 1970 to nationwide coverage. A 2025 West Health-Gallup survey shows 24 % of workers stay in jobs mainly for health coverage, underscoring enduring job-lock concerns.

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Story summary

Twenty-three million U.S. workers—24% of adults—stay in jobs to keep health insurance, an eight-point rise since 2021.
The Oct 27–Dec 22 2025 West Health-Gallup survey of 2,322 respondents found 29% of those with a chronic condition stay in jobs because of insurance.
44% with medical debt and 37% who borrowed for health costs say they remain in unwanted jobs.
51% worry about affording health care in the next 12 months, a five-year high.

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