Health articles
How did COVID-19 affect people in the US?
Note: This page is no longer being updated. This data was aggregated from national and state sources. As of July 2023, data collection and updates by federal, state, and local agencies was less comprehensive than in previous years.
Just the Facts about US healthcare and the health of Americans
Americans have faced many health challenges in recent years, from opioid addiction to COVID-19. And accidental deaths are rising. So what does the government spend on health for its citizens?
How does the government count COVID-19 deaths?
Medical conditions or injuries at an individual’s time of death are not automatically official causes of death for the purpose of government statistics. That includes COVID-19.
How prepared is the US for COVID-19 and who's at risk?
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the country, we're tracking the top numbers to watch to best understand the virus's impact. How prepared are our hospitals? Who's at risk?
How has COVID-19 impacted air travel?
September passenger levels are down 65% compared to last year, according to preliminary data.
Who is eligible for the second COVID-19 booster?
19.9 million Americans received their second booster by the end of July 2022.
What’s the state of telehealth after COVID-19?
At the beginning of the pandemic, telehealth visits increased from about 5 million to more than 53 million among Medicare recipients alone. 80% of physicians plan to continue using it.
Has COVID-19 disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic Americans?
A roundup of how the State of the Union looks through the lens of race and ethnicity.
How many kids are vaccinated?
Nearly three-quarters (73.7%) of children born in 2021 and 2022 were fully vaccinated with the CDC-recommended vaccines by age 3.
48% of Americans are feeling down, depressed, or hopeless during the COVID-19 pandemic
An experimental weekly survey started by the US Census Bureau in April 2020 also reports that lower-income households report the highest levels of anxiety and depression.
How COVID-19 is changing primary voting—and the November election
Some states are extending deadlines and eligibility for mail-in ballots. Such measures may provide insight in how people vote in the November general election.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic change America, according to new Census data?
The percentage of people working from home tripled between 2019 and 2021, while housing got more expensive relative to income.
Six charts about COVID-19 vaccines: 24% of Americans 12 to 17 have started their vaccinations
Other charts show how much the vaccination rate fell and where adults are hesitant about the shots.
How much is spent on personal healthcare in the US?
National spending on personal healthcare per person has increased 1,306% since 1980 — over three times faster than inflation. More than $4.5 trillion total was spent in 2024.
The state of healthcare at the end of 2020
Americans — and their government — are paying more for health insurance at a time of uneven health risks across demographic groups and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2 trillion CARES Act, a response to COVID-19, is equivalent to 45% of all 2019 federal spending
Learn about the individuals and industries who will benefit from the most recent Congressional action
Eight ways the pandemic affected American life in data
Government data shows how COVID-19 intersected with everything from the economy to how people watch television.
What are the leading causes of death by age?
Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 remain the leading causes of death among adults in the US.
How widespread is the flu right now?
Influenza and other flu-like illness accounted for about 4.6% of all doctor’s visits during the week ending February 7, 2026. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu patients occupied 1.6% of hospital beds nationwide, and one state has “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness including flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
What does the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) do?
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is a subdivision of the US Department of Agriculture responsible for administering the nation’s domestic nutrition assistance programs. These programs include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the National School Lunch Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The agency aims to provide children and low-income individuals access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education. It was established in 1969.
What does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) do?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Transportation responsible for ensuring the safety of motor vehicles and road users. The agency sets and enforces safety performance standards for motor vehicles and equipment, conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety, and provides grants to state and local governments to improve highway safety. It also oversees the recall of vehicles and equipment that pose safety risks. It was established in 1970.
What does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for safeguarding human health and protecting the environment by ensuring that people in the US have access to clean air, land, and water. Its functions include developing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress, providing grants to support environmental programs and projects, researches environmental issues, and fostering partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments. It was established in 1970.
What does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices. The agency also oversees the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. It was established in 1906.
What does the National Institutes of Health (NIH) do?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a subdivision of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for conducting and supporting medical research to improve public health. The agency funds and conducts research in various fields of biomedical science, including the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. It also provides training for researchers and disseminates health information to the public. It was established in 1887.
What does the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) do?
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a subdivision of the US Department of Agriculture responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. The agency conducts inspections, enforces food safety regulations, and works to prevent foodborne illnesses through rigorous testing and monitoring. It also provides guidance and education to industry and consumers on food safety practices. It was established in 1977.
How many people are enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans in the US?
About 23.1 million in 2026. That’s an estimated 6.8% of the US population based on enrollments by the end of the open enrollment period (which, in most states, typically runs from early November to mid-January of the next year). Qualified health plans are insurance plans certified by the Health Insurance Marketplace that comply with Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. They provide health benefits and follow established cost-sharing limits, including deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
What does the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) do?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Veterans Affairs responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services to military veterans. The agency operates a nationwide system of medical centers, outpatient clinics, and specialized care facilities, offering services ranging from primary care to specialized treatments for conditions such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. It also conducts research and provides training for healthcare professionals. It was established in 1930.
Which vaccines are recommended for American adults?
The CDC recommends annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters for all adults, but vaccination rates differ by age and state.
What does the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing public health policy and administering funding for health programs and services. The department's functions include managing national health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, advancing medical research, ensuring food and drug safety, and promoting health equity for all individuals. It was established in 1980 after the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was reorganized into separate entities.
What does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) do?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for administering the nation’s major healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The agency ensures that beneficiaries have access to high-quality healthcare services while also working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. It was established in 1965.
What does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a subdivision of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. The agency conducts research, provides health information, and supports public health efforts to respond to health threats ranging from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. It also works with state and local partners to monitor health trends and promote health equity. It was established in 1946.
How many people have long COVID?
In October 2023, over a quarter of adults with long COVID were experiencing significant activity limitations.
What does the Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) do?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a subdivision of the US Department of Health and Human Services responsible for improving the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services to reduce illness, death, disability, and the cost to society resulting from substance abuse and mental illnesses. SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and works to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders and their families. It was established in 1992.
What are the leading causes of death in the US?
The leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, and accidents in 2024. Out of the nearly 3.1 million deaths in 2024, over 1.5 million, or 49%, were due to one of these three causes. The fourth, fifth, and sixth most common causes were cerebrovascular diseases, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and Alzheimer's disease.
How many nurses are there in the US?
In 2024, around 4.3 million people worked as nurses. That’s around 2.8% of all employed people, or about one in 36 employees nationally.
How have cancer rates changed over time?
Cancer rates declined 8.6% overall from 2000 to 2022 — but increased 8.5% among people under the age of 50.
Which states have the highest risk for tick-borne diseases?
Lyme disease accounted for 77% of tick-borne disease cases from 2016–2023, followed by anaplasmosis (10%) and spotted fever rickettsiosis (6%).
What are the top causes of death for people 65 and older?
In 2024, cancer led deaths among adults ages 65–79, while heart disease led among those 80 and above.
Who has health insurance? Are rates going up?
Young adults ages 19 to 25 are the most likely to be uninsured of any age group: 14.3% of them were uninsured in 2024.
How many people in the US get colorectal cancer?
About 148,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 and over 53,000 died in 2023.