January 6, 2026
Survey shows Utah residents want significant healthcare system changes, with findings to be reviewed in a public statewide webinar on January 14
Salt Lake City, UT — A new statewide survey from One Utah Health Collaborative and administered by the Cicero group underscores the healthcare affordability crisis in Utah, finding that nearly a third of residents skipped or delayed a medical visit in the past year because of cost concerns. Soaring health costs are draining savings and pushing local families into debt, with more than 1 in 5 Utahns (22%) needing to borrow money or rely on credit to cover medical costs.
“It’s important for us to acknowledge that a single unexpected medical bill is enough to push most Utahns over a financial cliff,” said Scott Barlow, Executive Director of the One Utah Health Collaborative. “These survey findings confirm the urgency with which we must work together to transform healthcare in our state.”
The survey findings illuminate how the high cost of care is eroding Utahn’s confidence in the healthcare system, and fueling demand for local action, with 83% of Utahns saying the healthcare system needs adjustment or reform. 25% say the Utah state government should take primary responsibility for improving Utah’s healthcare system, compared to 11% who say the federal government is primarily responsible.
The survey of 1,000 Utah residents, aged 18 and older, was conducted from May, 2025, to July, 2025, by Cicero Group in partnership with One Utah Health Collaborative.
Additional key findings include:
– More than 1 in 5 skipped a recommended medical test or treatment due to cost concerns (22%)
– More than 1 in 5 skipped filling a prescription or took less than the prescribed dosage to save on costs (21%)
– Nearly 1 in 5 used up a significant amount of their savings to cover a medical cost (18%)
– 1 in 10 had to forgo buying or paying for basic necessities like food, utilities, or housing due to medical costs (10%)
– Most Utahns would be unable to pay for an unexpected medical bill of $1,000 without incurring debt (60%)
“Utahns’ experiences with the high cost of care and concerns about affordability all point to a healthcare system in need of change,” Barlow said. “We must continue to seek out and drive forward innovative healthcare interventions that bring down the cost of care, so that Utahns can afford the care they need.”
Employers who offer health insurance to their employees are also dealing with the rising cost of coverage. According to KFF, over the last five years, the average annual worker and employer insurance premium contributions have increased by 26%. In Utah, premiums are set to rise dramatically next year, with proposed increases of up to 32%.
The One Utah Health Collaborative will be hosting a public webinar on Wednesday, January 14th at 2:00 p.m. to review the findings and hear perspectives from employers, providers and community representatives on the challenges of rising healthcare costs and what actions can be done in Utah. Panel members include:
– Chet Loftis, Managing Director, PEHP Health & Benefits
– Dan Nelson, CEO, GBS Benefits
– Sarah Woosley, Director of Clinical Affairs, Association for Utah Community Health
– Sue Robel, President, Intermountain Health, Canyons Region
Click here to register for our webinar
Click here to review the full report
