Health articles
How many measles cases are there in the US?
As of July 2, 2026, 2,170 cases have been confirmed in 2026, 6% of which required hospitalization. There were no reported deaths.
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.
How have cancer rates changed over time?
Cancer rates declined 8.6% overall from 2000 to 2022 — but increased 8.5% among people under the age of 50.
Is teen drug and alcohol use declining?
Teen substance use declined over time; vaping remained most common, with 33.8% of high schoolers in 2023, down 16.3 points from 2019.
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?
Mifepristone and other abortion pills are banned in 13 states, with few exceptions. They are legal in 37 states and Washington, DC.
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?
Lyme disease accounted for 77% of tick-borne disease cases from 2016–2023, followed by anaplasmosis (10%) and spotted fever rickettsiosis (6%).
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, dental care was the most frequently skipped form of medical care, with 18% of American adults forgoing treatment.
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.
How have US fertility and birth rates changed over time?
Fertility rates in the US have declined by more than half over the past century and reached their lowest level ever in 2024.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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?
About 148,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 and over 53,000 died in 2023.
What are the top causes of death for people 65 and older?
In 2024, cancer led deaths among adults ages 65–79, while heart disease led among those 80 and above.
Minnesota and Medicaid: What the data says
The federal government funded 69% of Medicaid costs as of 2023. In Minnesota, it covered 63% of the $19.2 billion spent.
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.
Are fewer kids playing sports?
Although youth sports participation has generally declined over time, recent data suggests the trend may be starting to shift.
What’s going on with ACA subsidies?
After temporary Affordable Care Act subsidies expired at the end of 2025, enrollees may face higher premiums in 2026.
Are Americans sleeping more or less?
According to new American Time Use Survey data, Americans now spend more time sleeping—or trying to sleep—than they did two decades ago.
Why have death rates from accidental falls tripled?
Since 2000, death rates from heart disease and cancer have declined, whereas deaths from accidental falls have increased threefold.
How many kids are vaccinated?
Seventy-three percent of children born in 2020 and 2021 were fully vaccinated with the CDC-recommended vaccines by age 3.
How many Americans have been diagnosed with HIV?
In 2023, 38,793 people were newly diagnosed with HIV, with Black Americans, men, and young adults (ages 13–34) most impacted.
Which states have the highest cancer rates?
While cancer mortality has dropped across all states over the last 25 years, Kentucky topped the charts for new cases in 2022 and deaths in 2023.
How much money do doctors make in the US?
Doctors in 17 specialties earn at least $239,200 a year, but pay can swing by hundreds of thousands across states.
What is the US infant mortality rate?
Infant mortality fell by 92.7% in the past century but rose 3.5% between 2020 and 2023.
How much are doctors paid?
More than 1.75 times as much as USAFacts readers think.
Which states have the highest maternal mortality rates?
Tennessee had the highest maternal mortality rate between 2019 and 2023.
Why are accidental deaths rising?
The rise in accidental deaths in the US is being driven by synthetic opioid overdoses, like fentanyl, and falls by an aging population.
The Affordable Care Act and the data: Who is insured and who isn't
More than 45 million people had enrolled in ACA-related insurance plans as of early 2024.
US obesity rates have tripled over the last 60 years
Nationwide surveys show that 40% of Americans are obese, while 10% are severely obese.
Are fentanyl overdose deaths rising in the US?
In 2023, fentanyl was responsible for about 199 deaths every day. Over a quarter of a million Americans have died from fentanyl overdoses since 2021.
How many police officers die in the line of duty?
In 2024, over 100 officers died while on duty. Of those deaths, nearly 60% were purposeful killings, and 40% were accidental.
Who has health insurance? Are rates going up?
Young adults ages 19 to 25 are the most likely to be uninsured of any age group: 14.3% of them were uninsured in 2024.
Is autism increasing?
According to the CDC, 3.2% of 8-year-olds had autism in 2022.
How will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impact Medicaid?
Work requirements and changes to state funding mechanisms are expected to impact federal Medicaid spending the most.
More kids are getting vaccine exemptions. Here’s where.
Nonmedical vaccine exemption rates in kindergarteners have increased since 2014, while medical exemptions remained stable.