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.
How many people die by suicide in the United States each year?
About 49,476 people died by suicide in 2022. In other words, there were about 14.2 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 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 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.
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.
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.
US 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.
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.
Are fentanyl overdose deaths rising in the US?
In 2023, 72,776 people died from fentanyl overdoses nationwide, 1.4% fewer than the year before. Fentanyl deaths had previously increased every year from 2013 to 2022.
How many police officers die in the line of duty?
In 2024, 107 officers died in the line of duty, according to the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report. Sixty-four were killed feloniously, primarily by firearms.Since the FBI began collecting data on officer deaths in 1996, annual deaths have ranged from a low of 76 in 2013 to a high of 146 in 2001. There were 13 more officer deaths in 2024 than in 2023.
Who has health insurance? Are rates going up?
According to the Census Bureau 92.0% of people in the US had health insurance in 2024. In the past 10 years, the share of people covered by health insurance has been above 90%. Health insurance provides Americans with access to healthcare and offers financial coverage during medical emergencies. Most Americans are insured, but insurance rates still change from year to year due to economic trends (such as those related to COVID-19), demographic shifts (including an aging population), and public policy changes.
Is autism increasing?
The CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network estimates that 3.2% (1 in 31) of 8-year-olds had been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2022. As diagnostic methods improve and clinical monitoring increases, the identification of autism spectrum disorder in US children has become more prevalent.What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?The CDC defines ASD as “a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.”ASD is caused by neurological differences, which can be caused by known genetic conditions along with other not-yet-identified factors — or most likely, a combination.People with autism may learn, behave, and interact differently than others. Some are nonverbal and need assistance with daily living; others have advanced conversational abilities and live independently with little or no support. According to the CDC, ASD begins before the age of three and is generally lifelong, though symptoms may improve as people age.
How will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impact Medicaid?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law on July 4, 2025, contains over 30 different provisions related to Medicaid — one of the nation’s largest assistance programs. The legislation is poised to change who may be eligible, how people enroll, and how states fund their programs.Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical insurance to millions of low-income individuals. About 89 million people, or 26% of the population, were covered at some point in fiscal year (FY) 2024.
More kids are getting vaccine exemptions. Here’s where.
Newly-minted kindergarteners are getting ready for school, which means backpacks, crayons, and, for some, vaccine exemption forms. For the 2024–25 school year, 3.6% of kindergarteners had a vaccine exemption, up from 2.2% in 2014–15. The share of kindergarteners with medical exemptions has remained at 0.2% year over year, with little variation. The nonmedical exemption rate has steadily increased, from 2.0% in 2014 to 3.4% in 2024.
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 IVF babies are born in the US?
Parents who started assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatments in 2022 gave birth to 98,289 babies, the vast majority of whom were conceived via in vitro fertilization.From 2013 to 2022, the number of ART processes started more than doubled, and the number of infants born using these methods increased by 44.5%. One out of every 37 babies born in the US in 2022 was conceived using these treatments.
Does access to healthcare differ by race and ethnicity?
Across several measures of health and access to healthcare, American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, and Hispanic adults often fare worse than other racial or ethnic identities. In 2024, about 14.8% of Americans were in fair or poor health. Zooming in on demographics reveals disparities between racial and ethnic groups. 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.
How many high schoolers are trans?
About one in 30 high schoolers identifies as transgender, according to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. What does it mean to be transgender?Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s glossary, “transgender” is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from their sex assigned at birth. People whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth are called “cisgender.”What percentage of US high schoolers are trans?When given a description of what it means to be trans, 3.3% of high schoolers reported that it applied to them. Of the other students, 93.3% of reported not identifying as trans, 2.2% weren’t sure, and 1.3% didn’t understand the question.
How far into pregnancy do most abortions happen?
In 2022, two out of five (40.2%) of reported abortions occurred within the first six weeks of pregnancy. Another 38.4% happened between seven and nine weeks, and 14.2% within 10 and 13 weeks. Put another way, 92.8% of reported abortions were performed before three and a half months of pregnancy.Farther into pregnancy, abortions are less common. Of the remaining 7.2% of reported abortions, 3.0% occurred between 14 and 15 weeks, 1.6% at 16 to 17 weeks, 1.5% at 18 to 20 weeks, and 1.1% at 21 weeks or more.
How many people get sick from foodborne illnesses?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 9.9 million people (or a population that’s a bit more than New Jersey) contract foodborne illnesses every year. Of those, an estimated 53,300 people are hospitalized and 931 die.Foodborne illnesses are severely underreported; some outbreaks are never reported to local health departments, and some are never formally identified because individuals do not seek medical assistance. The CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) collects all the data it can, but reporting is voluntary. Based NORS data, the number of reported illnesses decreased 65% from 1998 to 2023. In 2023, 9,521 Americans reported becoming sick from a foodborne illness.