A survey conducted by West Health-Gallup revealed that tens of millions of Americans have delayed major life decisions due to the rising costs of health care. The study, which included nearly 20,000 adults, found that medical cost concerns led people to delay major events such as having or adopting a child, retirement, and returning to school. One in three people said they've made a financial trade-off to pay for health care or medicine. The survey estimated that nearly 70 million Americans delayed surgery or another medical treatment over the period studied. The increased demand for services drives up insurance premiums or out-of-pocket spending, leading some people to become uninsured.