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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 many people skip medical treatment due to healthcare costs?
In 2025, dental care was the most frequently skipped form of medical care, with 18% of American adults forgoing treatment.
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.
Which states spend the most on healthcare?
On average, states spent $10,191 per person on goods and services directly related to patient care in 2020. New York, Alaska, and Massachusetts spent the most.
Does access to healthcare differ by race and ethnicity?
Adults in four groups — American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic — report higher rates of fair or poor health than the national average.
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.
Are abortion pills banned in the US?
Mifepristone and other abortion pills are banned in 13 states, with few exceptions. They are legal in 37 states and Washington, DC.
How many people die from gun-related injuries in the US each month?
An estimated 3,400 people died from gun-related injuries in November 2025, 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 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.
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 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.
How much does Medicaid cost in the US?
A combined $949.2 billion in state and federal spending in fiscal year (FY) 2024, the most recent data available. That’s about $2,800 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 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.
How many people have died in the US military, and how?
Over 80% of active-duty military deaths since 1980 have come from accidents, illness, and suicides.
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.
California and Medicaid: What the data says
The federal government is deferring $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota. Here's a look at the numbers.
How much is spent per Medicaid enrollee in the US?
Around $10,760 was spent per Medicaid enrollee in fiscal year (FY) 2024. That's 14.6% higher than in FY 2023. Adjusted for inflation, Medicaid spending per enrollee is at its lowest level since 2023. Spending primarily covers benefits, but administrative costs are also included.
Minnesota and Medicaid: What the data says
The federal government funded 65% of Medicaid costs as of 2024. In Minnesota, it covered 58% of the $19.3 billion spent.
What is Medicaid and how many Americans use it? | Episode 2 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:15M
How many people are on Medicaid in the US?
On average, 88.2 million people or 26% of the US population were on Medicaid 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.