New research finds close to a quarter of U.S. workers report “job lock,” saying they want to leave their current job, but stay out of fear of losing their employer-sponsored health insurance.
In a recent survey of more than 2,300 American employees, the West Health-Gallup Center found 24% of respondents indicating as much, representing an eight-percentage point increase since 2021, according to researchers.
“Job lock is on the rise amid broader healthcare affordability challenges,” wrote Ellyn Maese, a senior research consultant at Gallup, noting that 51% of respondents said they are worried about their ability to afford healthcare over the next 12 months.
Those experiencing healthcare-related financial stress report higher rates of job lock, according to Gallup. For example, among respondents who reported personal or household medical debt, 44% said they are staying in an unwanted job for the insurance, more than double the rate of those without medical debt (21%).
“Even more striking,” according to Gallup, is the 48% of respondents staying in a job to maintain health insurance who said healthcare expenses are a “major” financial burden.
“When access to affordable healthcare is tied to employment, workers may feel compelled to stay in jobs that no longer meet their personal or professional needs. The effects extend beyond morale—reducing labor market efficiency, upward mobility and quality of life,” Maese wrote.
“With coverage tied to employment, a growing share of American workers report making career decisions based on insurance rather than opportunity.”
03 August 2026
Category
HR News Article
