Priced Out: Nearly 30,000 Salt Lake County Gen Xers Skip Needed Healthcare
New findings from a study commissioned by Salt Lake County show that 11% of adults ages 45–64 are unable to afford needed healthcare. These findings underscore the financial pressures facing adults who don’t qualify for Medicare, but are managing chronic conditions and higher health and coverage costs. For adults in this age range who are uninsured, the number jumps to 37.2%.
This study, commissioned by the Salt Lake County Office of Regional Development in partnership with Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, is the first phase of Age-Friendly Salt Lake County, an initiative with AARP to build livable communities for every stage of life.
Salt Lake County partnered with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to produce timely, accurate data to guide long-term planning. Understanding Generation X helps the County plan for tomorrow’s older adults and their healthcare, housing, and economic needs. Later this year, Age-Friendly SLCo will create an Action Plan with strategies to enhance livability for all residents.
“Poor health does more than affect the body - it can shape nearly every aspect of a person’s ability to live a full and productive life,” shared Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services Director Paul Leggett. “This study highlights the importance of access to affordable healthcare, as well as the value of prevention and early intervention. We’re grateful for our community partners who aim to connect all individuals with quality medical care, regardless of income status.”
“Far too many Utahns in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s are falling into a coverage gap at a critical time for preventive care,” said Alan Ormsby, AARP Utah State Director. “When people delay care because they can’t afford it, small health concerns can become serious and far more costly problems. AARP Utah looks forward to supporting Salt Lake County’s Age-Friendly planning to help close these gaps and build healthier, more accessible communities for all ages.” AARP recognizes the value of early intervention by empowering people to choose how they live as they age.
While the primary goal of these reports is to inform future planning, Salt Lake County currently supports residents through prevention-focused programs and community resources. The Salt Lake County Health Department maintains a list of free and low-cost services, including medical care, at SLCo.to/CommunityResources. For more information about additional assistance programs and services available to residents of all ages, visit SLCo.to/Resources.
Age-Friendly Salt Lake County will release three reports from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute over the course of 2026. Salt Lake County encourages media to attend the full Health and Nutrition report release at the Salt Lake County Government Center on April 21 with opportunities to interview local officials and experts from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.