The Rising Concern Over Healthcare Costs: What It Means for Small Businesses

In recent years, healthcare costs have emerged as one of the foremost concerns for Americans. According to a recent survey by Gallup in collaboration with West Health-Gallup, a notable 29% of Americans now identify healthcare costs as the most pressing health issue in the country. This statistic marks a significant increase from 23% just last year and positions healthcare costs above even access to healthcare, which sits at 17%.

As a small to medium-sized business (SMB) owner, especially if you’re involved with government contracts, understanding these public sentiments can provide valuable insights into how your business can adapt and thrive in a challenging healthcare landscape.

The Numbers Tell a Story

The Gallup survey reveals several startling statistics:

1. 16% of Americans are satisfied with the overall costs of healthcare in the U.S., marking the lowest satisfaction rate recorded since 2001.

2. There is a 57% satisfaction rate among U.S. adults regarding their personal healthcare costs, still indicating a need for improvement and awareness.

3. A record-high 23% of respondents now believe the healthcare system is in a state of crisis, with 47% acknowledging significant major problems within the system.

These figures underscore a growing unease that many individuals and businesses feel regarding healthcare affordability and accessibility.

Addressing the Crisis: Government’s Role

Notably, the survey indicates that 64% of U.S. adults believe it is the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that all Americans have access to healthcare. This reflects a rising expectation for government intervention, with many Americans feeling that current healthcare plans do not adequately meet their needs.

As a business owner operating within government contracts, it’s critical to recognize how government support and policies can shape your business environment. Programs designed for small businesses, such as the VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business), and HUBZone certification, can play a key role in helping your business access government contracts that may offer better funding and support for employee healthcare.

It isn’t All Doom and Gloom for the Healthcare Industry

We have seen major advancements in healthcare ranging from:

• Telehealth Growth: Telemedicine is expanding access, especially for rural areas and people with disabilities, allowing remote visits and health monitoring.
• AI & Data: Software and AI are streamlining workflows, improving interoperability, and creating actionable insights for providers and payers.
• Patient-Centered Care: The U.S. performs well in involving patients in decisions, leading to lower wait times and better care experiences.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration helps stabilize coverage and improve access, as shown during the pandemic.
  Pandemic Preparedness: The U.S. ranks highly for its ability to respond to public health crises, according to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
• Empowered Consumers: More consumers are ready to use digital tools, personalized medicine, and unified records for better health management, according to PwC.

How Select GCR Can Help

We specialize in guiding SMBs through the complexities of healthcare government contracting, including understanding and navigating healthcare contract options. Whether you’re new to government contracts or looking to optimize your current engagement, we can assist you by providing insights tailored to your business needs. Here are a few resources that may prove beneficial:

1. Understanding Government Contracts

2. What you need to know about GSA Schedules

3. Navigating HUBZone Certification

4. VOSB and SDVOSB Programs for our U.S. Veteran owned businesses

5. Select GCR PRO app for pre-vetted bid opportunities

The Benefits for SMBs

By leveraging government programs and focusing on certified categories, healthcare-providing SMBs can access better contracts while also addressing healthcare needs and employee benefits within the government. Aligning with the government’s push for better healthcare access can position your business favorably when bidding for contracting opportunities. Additionally, understanding public sentiment can inform your company’s approach to employee health benefits, potentially making your business more attractive to prospective clients and the biggest customer on earth… the American government.

Conclusion

With increasing pressure on the U.S. healthcare system and rising public concern over healthcare costs, small businesses must stay informed, plan for market-shifts and be responsive. This current landscape offers challenges but also opens doors to potential support and opportunities through government programs.

Your role as an SMB owner is crucial in this evolving situation. By seeking the right certification and understanding government contracting, you not only position your business to take advantage of these contracts but also contribute to a larger goal of addressing healthcare costs and access in our society. Don’t wait for the situation to evolve; make proactive choices that benefit your business and employees today.

For more insights and resources focused on government contracting, visit Select GCR and see how we can help you enhance your business’s health and secure government contracts that work for you.

Sources

• Gallup. (2023). The Cost Leads Americans’ Top-of-Mind Healthcare Concerns.
• PwC. (2025). Future of Health
• Peter G. Peterson Foundation. (2025). Healthcare System Ranking