Washington, D.C., December 5, 2025 — As Congress prepares to vote on a bill next week that would extend expiring ACA health care subsidies for an additional three years and prevent health care premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans, ParentsTogether Action, a nonprofit representing more than 3 million families, released a new national survey. The results show that two-thirds of parents in its network are struggling to make ends meet due to rising healthcare costs, grocery prices, and basic household expenses and that 47% of families face rising health care costs.

ParentsTogether Action surveyed nearly 800 parents and caregivers in its nationwide membership network between November 24–27, 2025. Here are the findings

1. Families are struggling to make ends meet

61% of parents surveyed say their family is finding it hard to make ends meet right now, with parents reporting major challenges affording: food (64%); utilities (56%); essential items like gas, diapers, formula, and feminine products (48%); and medical bills/health insurance (43%).

Parents described a daily struggle to cover basic needs:

“We are extremely low-income, and prices are way up. We have SNAP, but our benefits plummeted, and they aren’t giving them to us anyway.” 

“There is never enough money to pay all of the bills. I pay what I can and hope they won’t turn anything off.”

“Even making $2800 a month, we still struggle to get by. Sometimes it’s a decision between skipping meals so we can afford diapers or things for our kids. As a father, things shouldn’t have to be so hard.” 

“I am fortunate in that I have personal connections which allow me to have a break on rent and utilities and help with childcare, but it could be revoked at any moment. It all depends on support from people in my community or friends. Otherwise, I would be drowning financially.” 

2. Families face mounting financial pressure as prices continue to rise and are cutting back on necessities to make ends meet

93% of those surveyed say inflation still feels like it’s rising, and 94% say grocery prices continue to climb. 41% have had to cut back on food because of increased grocery prices.

Parents say those rising costs force hard trade-offs:

“I’ve had to make payment arrangements for utilities, defer student loan payments and tighten the budget for groceries.” 

“Putting gas in my vehicle or letting car insurance go just to feed us is the reality.” 

“[I’m] unable to afford to visit my [grandchildren], sufficient food, vitamins, supplements and medication for myself and my companion animal.”

3. Rising healthcare costs are hitting families on all fronts

47% of those surveyed say their family is facing increased healthcare costs. To manage these expenses, families say they’ve already cut general savings (54%); food costs (50%); and leisure activities, such as vacations and restaurants (55%).

4. Parents are deeply concerned about federal cuts and tariffs

85% are “very concerned” about cuts to programs families rely on if used to pay for tax breaks for wealthy individuals, 84% are “very concerned” about tariffs raising prices, 82% say tariffs have increased their grocery costs, and 61% say clothing prices have gone up.

These findings come as Congress prepares for a vote next week on whether to extend ACA subsidies that have kept health care in reach for millions of families, at a time when they are already grappling with rising grocery prices, reduced and inconsistent access to government assistance, and increasing housing and childcare costs. Together, these losses — food assistance, health coverage, and basic family support — threaten to push survival out of reach for families who are already struggling to stay afloat.

“Parents are doing everything they can to keep their families afloat, but the math simply isn’t adding up,” said Ailen Arreaza, Executive Director of ParentsTogether Action. “Families are cutting back on food, medical care, and basic essentials — yet the Trump administration is slashing the very programs helping millions stay afloat. Parents are paying attention, and they’re begging our leaders to take action to help families – not corporations and billionaires – before things get even worse. Next week’s vote will show families exactly whose side members of Congress are on.”

ParentsTogether Action, a nonprofit parent and family advocacy group that represents more than 3 million families, brings parents together to make a difference on the issues that matter most to our kids and families — things like family leave, childcare, and quality education.

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