Healthcare

From health insurance to prescription drug prices, the cost of healthcare has been a political issue for decades. There’s good reason for that: In 2018, $3.7 trillion was spent on healthcare-related goods and services, 18% of the nation’s gross domestic product. The issue encompasses several government programs, with Medicare (which primarily serves the 65+ population) and Medicaid (for low-income people) being the best known. Beyond government healthcare programs, private insurance is also an important aspect of this issue.

Questions to Ask

How much does health insurance cost for the average person?

How is an increasingly aging population affecting Medicare spending?

How many people are uninsured and how has that changed since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010?

How do Americans spend their money on healthcare?

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Noteworthy Data

Health Insurance Coverage

Percent covered by public or private health insurance

Percent covered by public or private health insurance

91.52%

2018

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Covered by public or private insurance

Covered by public or private insurance

296,206,000

2018

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Healthcare Expenditures

National spending on healthcare goods and services

National spending on healthcare goods and services

$3.6 Trillion

2018

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National spending on healthcare by source

National spending on healthcare by source

$3.6 Trillion

2018

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Healthcare expenditures as a percentage of GDP

Healthcare expenditures as a percentage of GDP

17.7%

2018

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