Health articles
How have cancer rates changed over time?
Between 2000 and 2022, the national cancer incidence rate — the rate of new cases per 100,000 people — declined by 8.6%. But the incidence rate for some demographic groups rose: people under the age of 50 (+8.5%), American Indian and Alaska Native people (+14.3%), and women (+0.05%). In the same period, the cancer mortality rate dropped by 27.7%, meaning that a cancer diagnosis is generally less deadly than it used to be. How many people get cancer?According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), nearly two out of every five Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives; an estimated 18.6 million people were living with some form of cancer in 2023. That’s more than the populations of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston combined. In 2022, 1.9 million people were diagnosed with cancer. The number of new cancer cases has increased every year since 2000 except four, and the NCI projects there will be more than 2.1 million new cancer cases in 2026.
Is teen drug and alcohol use declining?
Fewer teenagers are trying drugs or alcohol than they used to, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the 1990s, about 70% of high schoolers tried smoking cigarettes, the most popular substance at the time. By 2023, teen vaping was the most-tried, with one out of every three teens saying they’d vaped. The CDC conducts the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System surveys with students in grades 9 through 12 every other year to track behaviors that can affect their health, including substance use.
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?
What is Medicaid and how many Americans use it? | Episode 2 of Just the Facts: Do You Qualify?
JUST THE FACTS · 7:15M
How much is spent per Medicaid enrollee in the US?
Around $9,109 was spent per Medicaid enrollee in fiscal year (FY) 2023. 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.
Are abortion pills banned in the US?
Medicated abortions were 53% of all abortions nationally in 2022, the most recent data available. As of May 2026, 13 states have near-total bans on mifepristone and 37 states and Washington, DC legally allow it. Mifepristone is typically used to induce a medical abortion during early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period) and treat early miscarriages.
How much fentanyl is seized at US borders each month?
About 463 pounds of fentanyl were seized at US borders in April 2026. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used medically as a pain reliever but is also trafficked illegally due to its potency. In 2024, the latest data available, fentanyl was involved in 60% of fatal accidental drug overdoses in the US.
Which states have the highest risk for tick-borne diseases?
Reports of tick bites rise every spring and summer, and, with them, reports of Lyme disease infections. Northeastern states have the most Lyme disease cases; New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey alone accounted for 47.4% of all cases nationwide from 2019 to 2022. And although Lyme disease is the most well-known and most common tick-borne disease, there are others to be aware of.What is Lyme Disease?Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the US — that is, a disease spread via blood-feeding insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, fever, and a skin rash. In most cases, the disease can be treated with antibiotics. It can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system if left untreated. How common is Lyme Disease?Although it’s difficult to know exactly how many people are infected every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually. The agency based this number on insurance claims from 2010 to 2018 and it may be an overestimate due to people receiving treatment when they weren’t actually infected. There were 89,468 reported cases in 2023, or about 27 in 100,000 people. That was higher than 2022’s approximate 19 cases in 100,000 people.
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.
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 skip medical treatment due to healthcare costs?
In 2025, 26% of American adults skipped some form of medical treatment because they couldn’t afford it, according to the Federal Reserve. This is lower than the 28% who avoided care in 2024 and is the lowest percentage since 2022.The probability of declining medical care seems to correlate with income: 38% of people with a family income under $25,000 skipped some medical treatment in 2025, compared to 13% of people with incomes over $100,000.
How many people have died in the US military, and how?
Defense Department data shows that 63,670 active-duty military members have passed away since 1980. Eighty-four percent of these deaths were due to accidents, illness, and suicide or self-inflicted wounds. Two-hundred and sixty military members have died from the beginning of 2026 to May 13. Thirteen of these deaths resulted from Operation Epic Fury.Detailed record-keeping about the ways in which active-duty military members die began in 1980. Historical records from The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) show that approximately 1.2 million service members died between 1775 and 1991.
How have US fertility and birth rates changed over time?
The US fertility rate has declined by more than half over the last century. In 1924, there were 110.9 births per 1,000 women, compared with a fertility rate of 53.8 in 2024, a decrease of 51.5%.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the general fertility rate as the number of live births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.
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 many drug overdose deaths happen every year in the United States?
There were 79,384 overdose deaths in 2024. That means that for every 100,000 people living in the US, 23 died of a drug overdose. This is the fifth highest the drug overdose death rate has been since data from 1999 became available.
How many measles cases are there in the US?
As of April 30, 2026, 1,814 cases have been confirmed in 2026, 6% of which required hospitalization. There were no reported deaths.
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.
How many people die by suicide in the United States each year?
About 48,824 people died by suicide in 2024. In other words, there were about 14 suicides for every 100,000 people in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says several factors cause suicide and they exist at individual, community, and societal levels.
How many people are enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans in the US?
About 24.3 million in 2025. That's an estimated 7.2% 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.
How many people have a disability in the US?
About 45.8 million, as of 2024. That’s the equivalent to 13.7% of the US population, or 1 in 7 people. In Census data, a person with a disability is someone who reports difficulty with walking or climbing stairs, hearing, vision, self-care, cognition, or independent living.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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.
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 many people die from gun-related injuries in the US each month?
An estimated 2,300 in September 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 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 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 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.
How many people in the US get colorectal cancer?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 147,931 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer in the US. In 2023, it was the second deadliest cancer nationwide, with 53,779 people dying from colorectal cancer-related causes. Since 2000, new case numbers have ranged from a high of 153,916 in 2003 to a low of 133,862 in 2020 (the CDC partly attributes this low to the fact that screenings dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic).
What are the top causes of death for people 65 and older?
In 2024, heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease were the three leading causes of death for people aged 65 and older, causing 916.7, 769.9, and 237.7 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively.Chronic lower respiratory diseases (207.0 per 100,000) and Alzheimer disease (187.2 per 100,000) followed as the next most common causes of death for older adults.
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 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).