Report

Understanding what people really want from primary care

Discover what's driving working Americans away from primary care, and what employers can do to remove the barriers between their people and better health.
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Primary care is the foundation of a healthy workforce, yet most people still aren't using it. Cost, convenience, and a lack of trusted provider relationships keep employees from engaging with the care available to them. This report explores what over 1,800 working Americans say stands in the way—and what organizations can do to change it.

A smiling worker in glasses and a high-visibility vest standing with arms crossed in front of a bus
ABOUT THE STUDY

What the research reveals about primary care

Who we heard from

In July 2025, a study commissioned by Marathon Health surveyed approximately 1,850 working professionals across industries including construction, manufacturing, education, government, and corporate sectors to understand how Americans engage with primary care and what shapes their decisions.

What the data shows

Most working Americans recognize primary care's importance, yet barriers prevent access. The data reveals a troubling pattern: 38% actively avoid checkups, while 28% skipped visits because they felt healthy. Three barriers require attention: cost, convenience, and commitment.

THE BARRIERS TO PRIMARY CARE

Three barriers are keeping your people from the care they need

Cost makes primary care feel out of reach for many

When care feels expensive, people avoid it. 35% of respondents delay or avoid primary care due to cost. For those managing multiple chronic conditions without a provider, cost is the top barrier standing in the way.

Convenience shapes when and where people seek care

Busy schedules, long wait times, and limited access push people toward costlier settings. 26% of respondents skipped primary care last year simply because they were too busy or couldn't find the time to go.

Trust and relationships drive consistent care use

For many, avoiding primary care is emotional—not logical. Fear, past experiences, and no ongoing provider relationship all play a role. The data shows that people with an established provider visit more consistently.

A smiling worker in glasses and a vest using a tablet beside a bottling production line
AVERAGE MATHON
0 %

lower healthcare costs are associated with having a primary care provider

0 %

of respondents with a primary care provider had three or more visits in the last year

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of employers currently offer APC or are considering adopting the model in the near future

  • I went from having two to three migraines a week to maybe one a month at most. I’ve been able to focus at work and think clearly for the first time in years.

    JEFFREY
    Marathon Health member
GET THE REPORT

See what workers really want from primary care

The data is clear: when people can access primary care that's affordable, convenient, and built on trust, they use it—and organizations benefit. Download this report to explore findings from over 1,800 working Americans, understand the three core barriers to primary care engagement, and discover how advanced primary care models are helping organizations close the gap.
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