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Retirement confidence hits a 2017 low as healthcare costs climb
An April survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute says U.S. retirement confidence is at its lowest level since 2017, amid rising living costs and worries about Social Security and Medicare.
Retirement confidence in the United States has fallen to its lowest point since 2017, according to an April survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, as rising costs of living leave budgets under pressure and many households doubt the future of Social Security and Medicare, per Yahoo Finance.
The article points to mounting healthcare concerns as a major driver. It notes that Affordable Care Act subsidies for Obama-era coverage expired at the end of 2025, and KFF estimates the typical enrollee premium payments will more than double.
It also cites research from the AARP that 25 drugs covered under Medicare Part D, which spends the most on medications, have seen their prices double over the past 11 years. Separately, a West Health and Gallup annual survey found 47% of respondents were concerned about healthcare costs in 2026, the highest share since 2021.
Beyond healthcare, the piece highlights debt and housing stress as factors weighing on retirement planning. It says mortgage burdens have increased, with a Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies report showing homeowners aged 65 to 79 with outstanding mortgages rose from 24% in 1989 to 41% by 2022, and households over 80 with mortgages increased from 3% to 31%.