New KFF polling shows LGBTQ+ adults face greater challenges in accessing and affording health care compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. LGBTQ+ adults face significantly greater challenges accessing and affording health care compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. They are more likely to postpone or skip needed care (58% vs. 38%), forgo prescription medications due to cost (22% vs. 12%), and struggle to pay medical bills (30% vs. 21%).

The KFF Survey of Health Status and Caregiving was a series of questions designed and implemented by KFF with the SSRS Opinion Panel Mega-Omnibus. The survey was conducted May 4 – May 26, 2026, online and by telephone among a nationally representative sample of 25,873 U.S. adults in English (n=25,422) and in Spanish (n=451), which included a sample of LGBTQ+ adults (n=2,640) and allowed analysis within age and gender categories, as well as subgroups such as trans adults.