Guest blog by Cassie Beisel, The PAN Foundation
Over the past few decades, there has been undeniable progress in women’s health research and care. We’ve seen increased representation of women in clinical trials, expanded funding for female-specific conditions, and growing recognition of the unique health care needs across a woman’s lifespan. These strides have helped shape more inclusive, evidence-based care for millions of women in the United States.
And, yet, despite these advancements, many women continue to face significant challenges when it comes to accessing and affording the care they need.
The PAN Foundation’s 2025 State of Patient Access Report confirms what we already know firsthand: the health care system isn’t working well for women. From logistical roadblocks to financial toxicity, the data shows that women—especially those living with chronic or rare conditions—are being left behind.
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what those numbers reveal: a system that presents barriers to care for half the population.
Women report lower access to care
The report, comparing two years of polling, shows that women report lower access to care compared to men. According to the report’s scorecard, women rate their Overall Access to Care with a grade of C+ (a score of 77.6), the same letter grade as last year (C+) and a slight dip from their 2024 rating of 78.2. In contrast however, men reported a noticeable improvement—up from 79.6 (C+) in 2024 to 80.4, which marks a shift into the B- range for men. women rate their Overall Access to Care with a grade of C+ (a score of 77.6), the same letter grade as last year and a slight dip from their 2024 rating of 78.2. In contrast however, men reported a noticeable improvement—up from 79.6 (C+) in 2024 to 80.4, which marks a shift into the B- range.
That difference may appear small on paper, but it points to a larger concern: between 2024 and 2025, women’s experiences with accessing care have remained stagnant, if not worsened, while men are seeing modest improvements.
More than half of women surveyed (53%) reported facing logistical barriers to care—such as transportation issues, rigid work schedules, or lack of childcare—compared to 44% of men. Similarly, 57% of women said they needed support to overcome these challenges, compared to 51% of men.
These challenges reflect persistent realities. Many women continue to shoulder caregiving responsibilities and hold part-time or lower-wage jobs without comprehensive benefits. These factors combine to make care more difficult to access for women, and the systems in place rarely adapt to these needs.
When access is limited, everything else suffers—a timely diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and ultimately, trust in the system.
Identity still interferes with care
Even more troubling: 41% of women said aspects of their identity—including gender, race, disability status, or income—got in the way of receiving appropriate care, at a rate that is seven percentage points higher than men.
The data reinforce what women have shared for many years about their health care experiences: women are feeling unheard—whether it’s feeling overlooked, not having mental health concerns fully addressed, or having symptoms attributed to stress. Equipped with this knowledge, it is more important than ever to listen to women and respond with meaningful action to improve their care.
Insurance isn’t working for women
One of the most glaring disparities in the report was how women gave a failing grade of F (59.6) to Access to Treatment Through Healthcare Plans, defined as difficulty accessing medications, financial strain from deductibles, confusion about plan details, and concern about worsening access to care in the future. This year’s score is down from last year’s D- (60.8) and ranks worse than the rating from men (D+ [67.1]).
These aren’t just bad grades—they’re red flags. For women living with chronic conditions, access to health care through their health plans is confusing, restrictive, and unaffordable. Four in 10 women (41%) said they couldn’t afford their deductible last year. And nearly half (46%) worry they won’t be able to afford it this year.
Concerns about affordability contribute to women’s reported levels of financial toxicity, defined as the effect of health care costs on patients’ lives or well-being. Women rate their Financial Toxicity a D (65.0)—down from D+ (68.0) the year prior—while men rated it a C (73.6).
Prescription drugs: an increasing burden
The Affordability of Prescription Medications is another area of concern for women. The report shows a decline in how women rate this dimension — down to a C+ (79.3) from a B- (82.0) the prior year. In comparison, men rated Affordability of Prescription Medications a B- (82.9).
One in four women (26%) reported being unable to afford their medications versus 19% of men. This financial barrier can lead to skipped or abandoned prescriptions—decisions that may result in worsening health, complications, and increased reliance on emergency or hospital care. Notably, 30% of women reported experiencing significant financial stress due to treatment costs, compared to 20% of men.
These numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect real, daily trade-offs that impact women’s ability to stay healthy and financially sound.
So, where do we go from here?
We can make great strides to improve access to care for women and all people living with chronic disease. These aren’t abstract policy problems; these are human problems. They’re solvable, but only if we commit to real, intentional action. Here’s where we can start:
- Build trust by listening and educating: Strengthening patient-provider relationships starts with listening. We must make sure women’s concerns are acknowledged, valued, and acted upon—while also encouraging open, respectful, and effective communication in every care setting. Expanding access to continuing education and professional development opportunities can support providers in navigating complex conversations and further enhance patient engagement, trust, and satisfaction across the board.
- Invest in patient-centered policy reform: This includes ensuring we address and increase efficiency and transparency for policies such as step therapy, prior authorization, and copay accumulators. Let’s pass needed legislation that will enhance access to care for all.
- Address the financial reality of care: Let’s work toward reducing the total cost of care for patients, improving awareness about financial assistance programs, and helping people navigate a complex health system.
The 2025 State of Patient Access Report confirms that we have much work to do to improve access to care—for women and for all Americans. But together, we can make a difference, because everyone deserves health care that is affordable, accessible, and free from judgement.
Cassie is a patient advocate, nonprofit leader, and three-time cancer survivor. She currently serves as the Senior Manager, Advocacy and Engagement at the PAN Foundation.
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About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.3 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. To learn more, visit panfoundation.org.