Health articles
Get unbiased data and visuals on healthcare, health insurance, birth and death rates, life expectancy, sickness, and disease.
What is Medicaid and how many Americans use it? | Episode 2 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:15M
The Affordable Care Act and the data: Who is insured and who isn't
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive healthcare reform act signed into law in March 2010, during Barack Obama’s first presidency.The legislation aimed to “make affordable health insurance available to more people” by offering tax credits to some enrollees, expanding Medicaid to be available based on income alone, and supporting innovation to lower the cost of providing healthcare.In early 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that more than 45 million people had enrolled in ACA-related insurance plans.
Nov 12, 2025How 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.
Updates annuallyHow many drug overdose deaths happen every year in the US?
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 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.
Updates monthlyHow 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.
Updates annuallyUS obesity rates have tripled over the last 60 years
According to National Institutes of Health surveys conducted since the early 1960s, US obesity rates have tripled over the last 60 years. The number of people classified with severe obesity has risen tenfold. How is obesity measured?A person’s weight class can range from underweight to obese and is calculated with a screening tool called the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing someone’s weight (in kilograms) by their height (in meters) and a common stand-in for body fat measurement in children and adults, although it doesn’t distinguish between fat, muscle, and bone mass. Severe obesity is a sub-class within the obesity category. How have obesity rates changed over time?In the early 1960s, roughly 13% of people were considered obese under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Recent figures suggest that the current national obesity rate is closer to 40%. Almost 10% of Americans were categorized as severely obese during the 2021–2023 survey, compared to fewer than 1% in 1960–1962. Childhood obesity rates also rose, tripling from 5% in the early 1970s to over 21% by 2021–2023.
Nov 5, 2025How 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.
Updates monthlyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annuallyWhat 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.
Updates annually