A national survey reveals that nearly half of U.S. women are more concerned about affording healthcare than serious diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's disease.

A recent national report by the Cleveland Clinic highlights a concerning trend among American women - nearly half express financial concerns as their primary health worry, surpassing even fears of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. The survey, conducted from March 11 to 19, 2026, involved over 2,000 adult women and found that nearly 45% cited money troubles as the biggest concern they face as they age.

These financial anxieties are not just hypothetical; many respondents have already experienced their impact. Almost half (45%) of those surveyed rated their financial health as fair or poor, leading to delayed or avoided medical care in some cases. The situation is even more dire for caregivers, who reported higher levels of financial stress and its adverse effects on their healthcare.

The report underscores significant gaps in women's understanding of their health risks. More than 40% were unaware that menopause can affect heart, brain, and bone health, while less than one-fifth (19%) recognized the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease among women. These disparities suggest a critical need for better education about women’s health.

Maria Shriver, from the Cleveland Clinic Women's Comprehensive Health and Research Center, emphasized that these findings highlight an urgent crisis in women's health: "Too many women lack clear information about their health risks, and too many are unsure whether they can afford the care they need. By addressing these knowledge gaps, access barriers, and affordability issues, we have a significant opportunity to improve health outcomes for women."

The Cleveland Clinic’s report underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by women in accessing quality healthcare due to financial constraints. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and society at large to ensure that all women can afford and receive necessary medical care.

Additional Resources: State of Women's Health 2026 My.ClevelandClinic.org/-/scass Womens-health-report