U.S. Healthcare Statistics You Should Know in 2025

With over 337 million population, the United States is home to one of the most intricate healthcare systems in the world. It’s a network built on the connections between providers, payers, and the patients who rely on them. This system is constantly evolving, and navigating it can feel overwhelming for many.

In the U.S., healthcare is provided through a combination of public, private, and university-affiliated hospitals and medical facilities. However, unlike some countries, the U.S. doesn’t offer universal healthcare coverage. Instead, it operates under a mixed model, where public programs like Medicare and Medicaid exist alongside private insurance plans.

For those who can afford it, U.S. healthcare offers world-class services. But the reality is that the cost of healthcare in America is significantly higher than in any other developed nation, making even basic medical care unaffordable for many without insurance. It’s no secret that the lack of universal coverage leads to financial strain for countless individuals.

There are various ways to gauge the overall health and healthcare landscape in the U.S. – from life expectancy and leading causes of death to health insurance rates and risk factors. Now, let’s dive into the key healthcare statistics to get a clearer picture of what this means for Americans today.

U.S. Healthcare

In 2022, the average life expectancy at birth was 77.5 years, which is a rise of 1.1 years compared to 76.4 years in 2021. This rise in life expectancy still doesn’t make up for the 2.4-year decline between 2019 and 2021, which was mainly caused by the higher number of deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (1)
In 2022, the life expectancy for males at birth was 74.8 years, which is an increase of 1.3 years from 73.5 years in 2021. Life expectancy at birth refers to the average number of years a newborn is expected to live, assuming that the mortality rates at the time of birth remain constant throughout their lifetime. (1)
For females, life expectancy in 2022 rose to 80.2 years, which is an increase of 0.9 years compared to 79.3 years in 2021. Women’s higher life expectancy is often linked to healthier habits and greater attention to their well-being. On average, women tend to visit the doctor more frequently and earlier, consume less alcohol, use less tobacco, and are generally more mindful of maintaining a healthy diet compared to men. (1)
In 2022, the gap in life expectancy between males and females was 5.4 years, which is a slight decrease from 5.8 years in 2021. (1)

In 2023, most people—92.0% or about 305.2 million—had health insurance coverage, whether for part of the year or the entire year. Health insurance coverage offers access to medical care, shields individuals from high unexpected medical bills, and helps provide greater financial stability for both people and their families. (2)
From 2022 to 2023, there was no significant change, with the uninsured rate staying at a near-historic low of 8.0% in 2023. Individuals are considered uninsured if they went without health insurance coverage for the entire calendar year. (2)

Health Insurance by Race, Ethnicity

In 2023, 18.3% of individuals identifying solely as American Indian or Alaska Native were uninsured. Health insurance plays a vital role in determining access to healthcare. Over the past decade, significant racial and ethnic disparities have existed in insurance coverage rates, affecting access to care across different communities. (3)
In 2023, 5.3% of individuals identifying as Asian alone were uninsured. (3)

U.S. Healthcare Spending 2021-2024

Projected healthcare expenditures for 2023 was estimated to reach $4.80 trillion, showing consistent growth. Healthcare spending in the U.S. is expected to have increased by 7.5% in 2023, which is higher than the nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.1%. (4)
U.S. healthcare spending is projected to hit $5.05 trillion in 2024, reflecting continued expansion. Healthcare costs keep climbing for various reasons, with key factors being the growing use of healthcare services, driven in part by an aging population, and the increasing cost of those services. (4)

1. U.S. per Capita Healthcare Spending

Out-of-pocket costs have steadily increased over time as well. In 2022, U.S. out-of-pocket healthcare payments averaged $1,425 per person. Out-of-pocket costs refer to the money individuals spend on healthcare that is not covered by their health insurance plan or public programs like Medicare or Medicaid. These costs do not include the amounts individuals pay for health insurance premiums. (5)

2. U.S. Personal Healthcare Spending 2021-2024

By 2024, personal health care expenditures are expected to reach $4,251.2 billion in the U.S. In the U.S., the majority of healthcare spending goes toward hospital and physician care, with prescription drugs following closely behind. (4)
Personal health care spending is projected to rise to $4,687.4 billion in 2026. Over the past few decades, health spending has surged due to various factors such as an aging population, increasing rates of chronic conditions, medical advancements, new technologies, rising costs, and the expansion of health insurance coverage. (4)
In 2032, personal health care expenditures are forecasted to hit $6,532.3 billion, showing significant growth. (4)

3. U.S. Health Spending Percentage 2021-2024

It is estimated that health spending has outpaced nominal economic growth. The share of healthcare spending as part of the gross domestic product (GDP) grew from 17.3% in 2022 to 17.6% in 2023. (4)
In 2024 (projected), NHE is forecasted to represent 17.7% of GDP, with healthcare spending reaching $5,048.8 billion. (4)
By 2026 (projected), NHE is expected to account for 18.1% of GDP, with total healthcare spending rising to $5,560.3 billion. (4)
In 2032 (projected), NHE is projected to increase to 19.7% of GDP, with spending reaching $7,705.0 billion. (4)

4. U.S. Health Spending by Category 2022

U.S. healthcare spending increased by 4.1% in 2022, reaching a total of $4.5 trillion, which amounts to $13,493 per person. The increase in healthcare spending was largely driven by higher spending on Medicaid and private health insurance. This was accompanied by a surge in the insured population, reaching a historic high. (6)
In 2022, approximately 30% of U.S. healthcare spending was allocated to hospital care. Between 2020 and 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the government’s extraordinary response to the public health crisis, had a significant impact on healthcare spending patterns. (6)
Dental services accounted for 4% of U.S. health spending, highlighting preventive and corrective dental care. Shifts in consumer behavior, such as a growing awareness of oral health and a rising demand for cosmetic dentistry services, have also contributed to the trends in healthcare spending. (6)
Government administration costs accounted for 1% of U.S. health spending, reflecting administrative healthcare operations. (6)

5. U.S. Healthcare Spending Growth 2022

In 2022, the net cost of health insurance saw an average annual growth of 8.5%. The high cost of American health insurance is influenced by several factors, including administrative expenses, rising prices for prescription drugs, and lifestyle choices. (6)
In 2022, the hospital care saw an average annual growth of 2.2%. Continuing the trend from previous years, hospital care accounted for the largest portion of personal healthcare spending, followed closely by expenditures on physician and clinical services. (6)
In 2022, the nursing care facilities saw an average annual growth of 5.6%. (6)
In 2022, out-of-pocket spending increased by 6.6% to $471.4 billion, accounting for 11% of total National Health Expenditure (NHE). Out-of-pocket healthcare costs in the U.S. are increasing much faster than workers’ wages, which is a major reason why many people with health insurance still end up in medical debt. These financial pressures often force people to make tough decisions about whether they can afford to see a doctor or specialist, leaving many without the care they need. (7)

Payment Source

Understanding the sources of payment for healthcare is crucial, as they play a significant role in shaping how individuals access medical services and manage the costs associated with their care.

1. U.S. Healthcare Spending by Payer 2015-2023

According to CMS 2023 projections, Medicare and Medicaid (including state funding) account for 40 cents of every dollar spent on healthcare in the U.S. (8)
In 2023, public insurance programs Medicare and Medicaid made up 22% and 18% of healthcare spending, respectively. (8)
Out-of-pocket payments represented 10% of overall healthcare expenditures in the United States for 2023. (8)
Other third-party payers contributed 8% to the nation’s total healthcare expenditure in 2023. (8)

2. U.S. Health Spending by Payer 2022

Out-of-pocket spending grew by 3.8% from 2012-2022, increasing by 6.6% in 2022. (6)
Private health insurance spending grew by 3.9% from 2012-2022, with a 5.9% increase in 2022. (6)
Medicare expenditures increased by 5.2% from 2012-2022, growing by 5.9% in 2022. (6)
Medicaid spending rose by 6.7% from 2012-2022, showing a 9.6% increase in 2022. (6)

How has the Death Rate in the U.S. Changed?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Center for Health Statistics, the age-adjusted death rate decreased by 9.2%, dropping from 879.7 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021 to 798.8 in 2022. (9)
The top 10 leading causes of death in 2022 were the same as in 2021, though the rankings shifted for some causes. (9)
In 2022, heart disease and cancer continue to be the top two leading causes of death, with unintentional injuries ranking as the third leading cause. (9)
The rate declined by 3.8% for heart disease (from 173.8 in 2021 to 167.2 in 2022), 2.9% for cancer (146.6 to 142.3), 1.1% for unintentional injuries (64.7 to 64.0), and 57.3% for COVID-19 (104.1 to 44.5). (9)

What Percentage of U.S. Residents Are Without Health Insurance by State?

In 2022, 16.6% of Texans, or about 4.9 million people, were uninsured, down from 18% (around 5.2 million) in 2021. Texas had the highest number of residents without health insurance of any state that year, according to the most recent data available. (10)
In 2022, the uninsured rate in the United States was 8.0%. The issue of uninsurance has been linked to several factors, including increasing healthcare costs, economic downturns, a decline in employer-based insurance, and cutbacks to public programs. To create effective strategies for reducing the number of uninsured individuals, it’s crucial to understand the underlying reasons why people lack coverage. (10)

Final Thought

As we reflect on the latest data collected about healthcare in the U.S., it’s clear that the system faces many challenges and complexities. The World Health Organization often highlights how health systems around the world play a critical role in shaping the overall well-being of populations.

In the U.S., access to health services varies greatly depending on factors like private coverage, employment, and geographic location. For many working-age adults, the decision to seek medical care can come down to costs, while the number of available hospital beds and the average length of hospital stays reflect ongoing pressures on the system.

As we move forward, policies like the Inflation Reduction Act aim to address rising healthcare costs, but much more work is needed. A deep understanding of health risk factors, access to quality care, and the impact of socioeconomic conditions on health must guide our efforts.

Health data gives us valuable insights, but addressing the disparities in healthcare will require coordinated action between governments, health providers, and communities to ensure a fair and effective system for all.