WASHINGTON — Nearly one in four U.S. workers say they remain in jobs they would prefer to leave because they fear losing employer-sponsored health insurance, according to new research released on Wednesday, highlighting the continuing role of healthcare coverage in shaping employment decisions.
The study by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America found that 24% of employed adults reported staying in an unwanted job to keep their health insurance, up from 16% in a comparable survey conducted in 2021. Gallup estimated the figure represents roughly 23 million U.S. workers.
Researchers said the phenomenon, often referred to as "job lock," was more common among workers facing financial or medical pressures. About 44% of respondents with personal or household medical debt reported remaining in jobs for health coverage, compared with 21% of those without such debt. Workers who had borrowed money to pay healthcare expenses also reported higher rates of job lock than those who had not.
The survey also found elevated rates among people living with chronic health conditions. Twenty-nine percent of workers with at least one chronic condition said they stayed in jobs to retain health insurance, compared with 17% of those without chronic illnesses. More than 40% of respondents reporting three or more chronic conditions said they remained in unwanted jobs for coverage.
Women were more likely than men to report staying in jobs for health insurance, with 30% of women reporting job lock compared with 20% of men, according to the findings. Researchers said women also reported higher levels of healthcare-related financial stress, medical debt and multiple chronic conditions, factors that may contribute to the difference.
"Health insurance continues to play an important role in how Americans navigate the labor market," Joe Daly, Global Managing Partner at Gallup, said in a statement accompanying the report. He said the findings provide insight into how healthcare benefits influence decisions about changing jobs or pursuing new opportunities.
The findings add to broader evidence that healthcare costs continue to affect household finances. Earlier surveys by the same research partnership found many Americans delayed major life decisions, including changing jobs or retiring, because of healthcare expenses.
Gallup said the latest results were based on a survey of 5,660 U.S. adults conducted between Oct. 27 and Dec. 22, 2025, with responses weighted to reflect the national adult population. Researchers said the findings underscore the continued influence of employer-sponsored health insurance on worker mobility in the United States.
