Health articles
How much are doctors paid?
How much do you think the average doctor earns per year? We asked our newsletter readers, and the plurality guessed $200,050.In reality, the average doctor earned $350,000 in individual total income in 2017 —about 1.75 times what most people guessed. (All figures in this article come from IRS data analyzed by five economists.) In fact, the top 1% of physicians in the United States earned an average of $4 million per year, with much of that income coming from business ownership and capital gains.What states pay doctors the most?The average income of a doctor may be surprising; so might be the map of doctor earnings. Before we get to the full map of doctor incomes nationwide, let’s take a brief detour on wealth in the United States.Wealth in America tends to cluster on the coasts. Some of the richest states in median household income are Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington state, and California. And for many professions, average incomes by state look a lot like average wealth of the state. Take lawyers. In 2017, the best-paid lawyers tended to live in New York, Connecticut, and California — some of the highest-income states in the US. The lowest-paid lawyers tended to live in West Virginia, Kentucky, and New Mexico — some of the poorest states in America (by median household income).
Which states have the highest maternal mortality rates?
Maternal mortality — when a woman dies while pregnant or within 42 days after a pregnancy — is an important maternal health indicator. In 2023, there were 669 maternal deaths in the United States, a maternal mortality rate of 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 80% of all pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable.Maternal mortality rates vary from state to state. Tennessee had the highest aggregate maternal mortality rate from 2019 to 2023, with 42.1 deaths per 100,000 births, followed by Louisiana (40.7) and Mississippi (39.7). California had the lowest, 10.1, and Minnesota was second-lowest with 14.1. Data is only available for 39 states: The CDC suppresses maternal death counts from states with nine deaths or fewer in the interests of confidentiality, and from states with 20 deaths or fewer to ensure data integrity.
Why are accidental deaths rising?
Accidental deaths are the third leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, they’ve been the third leading cause of death since 2016, save for 2020 and 2021 when the nation grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The accidental death rate has increased 56% since 2014.
How many measles cases are there in the US?
As of November 25, 2025, 1,798 cases have been confirmed in 2025, 12% of which required hospitalization. There have been 3 confirmed deaths. This is the highest annual case count since the US declared measles eliminated in 2000.
What is Medicaid and how many Americans use it? | Episode 2 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:15M
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 much fentanyl is seized at US borders each month?
About 640 pounds in September 2025. 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 and other synthetic opioids were involved in 69% of fatal accidental drug overdoses in the US.
How many people have mental illness in the United States?
About 58.7 million adults had a mental illness in 2023. That’s the equivalent of 22.8% of the adult population of the U.S, or 2 in 9 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 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 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.