Health articles
How much fentanyl is seized at US borders each month?
About 785 pounds in January 2026. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically as a pain reliever but is also trafficked illegally due to its potency. In 2023, the latest data available, fentanyl was involved in 69% of fatal accidental drug overdoses in the US.
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?
Minnesota and Medicaid: What the data says
On February 25, the Trump Administration announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be freezing $259.5 million earmarked for Medicaid in Minnesota while it investigates allegations of fraud in the state.This is the latest in a series of federal funding suspensions for Minnesota, including funds from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Agriculture. Courts have temporarily blocked the previous attempts to freeze funding.Let's break down the data on Medicaid in Minnesota and what this news might mean for the program.How much does the federal government contribute to Medicaid in Minnesota?Medicaid is a program that provides health insurance for people with low incomes. It is jointly funded by the states and the federal government. In fiscal year 2023, the federal government covered 68.9% of the overall program costs, while states covered the remaining 31.1%. The Minnesota state budget covered 36.6% of Medicaid costs, the fifth highest share of any state.
How many measles cases are there in the US?
As of February 14, 2026, 982 cases have been confirmed in 2026, 4% of which required hospitalization. There were no reported deaths.
How much is spent on personal healthcare in the US?
Between the money spent by private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and people making out-of-pocket payments, America spent a total of $4.5 trillion on personal healthcare in 2024, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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.
How many people have mental illness in the US?
About 61.5 million adults had a mental illness in 2024. That's the equivalent of 23.4% of the adult population of the US, or 11 in 47 adults. This data comes from an annual survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which defines mental illness as a range of disorders, from mild to severe, affecting a person's thinking, mood, or behavior.
How much is spent per Medicaid enrollee in the US?
In fiscal year (FY) 2023, $9,109 per enrollee. That's 1% lower than in FY 2022. Adjusted for inflation, Medicaid spending per enrollee is at its lowest level since 1994. Spending primarily covers benefits, but administrative costs are also included.
What are the leading causes of death in the US?
In 2022, heart disease, cancer, and accidents were the leading causes of death. Out of the nearly 3.3 million deaths in 2022, over 1.5 million, or 47%, were due to one of these three causes. The fourth, fifth, and sixth most common causes were COVID-19, cerebrovascular diseases, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.
How many drug overdose deaths happen every year in the United States?
About 105,007 overdose deaths in 2023. That means that for every 100,000 people living in the US, 31 died of a drug overdose. This is the third highest the drug overdose death rate has been since data from 1999 became available.
How many people die from gun-related injuries in the US each month?
An estimated 3.5K in December 2024, the most recent month for which data is available. This includes homicides, suicides, accidents, and other incidents where a shooting was considered the primary cause of death.
How many people are on Medicaid in the US?
On average, 88.8 million or 26.2% of the US population during FY 2024. Enrolling about 1 in 4 people in the US, Medicaid is one of the largest single health insurers in the country. Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
How much does Medicaid cost in the US?
A combined $894 billion in state and federal spending in fiscal year (FY) 2023, the most recent data available. That’s about $2,700 for every person living in the US. As a health insurance program for low-income individuals, Medicaid is jointly funded by both levels of government, with the federal government covering the larger share.
How much does Medicare cost the federal government?
About $1.1 trillion in 2024. Spending on Medicare, a federally run health insurance program primarily for people 65 and older, came out to $17,786 per beneficiary or $3,299 for every person in the US.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.