Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

In:

Submitted By caboyzrock
Words 1679
Pages 7
Health Care Spending
The United States is one of the biggest spenders when it comes to health care. In 2010, the U.S. spent over $8,000 per person totaling $2.6 trillion. Currently 18% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is health care expenditures according to Romer (2009). Half of the expenditure payments go to hospital and physicians. With all this spending why are we not healthier than countries that spend one-third less on health care? Here are some key points of our nation’s health care The Kaiser Family Foundation (2012) notes:
• In 2010, the U.S. spent $2.6 trillion on health care, an average of $8,402 per person.

• The share of economic activity (gross domestic product, or GDP) devoted to health care has

increased from 7.2% in 1970 to 17.9% in 2009 and 2010.

• Health care costs per capita have grown an average 2.4 percentage points faster than the GDP

since 1970.

• Since 2002, the rate of increase in national health care spending has fallen from 9.5% to 3.9%.

• Half of health care spending is used to treat just 5% of the population.

• Although only 10% of total health expenditures, spending on prescription drugs has received

considerable attention because of its rapid growth (114% from 2000 to 2010).

• In 2008, 27% of the nonelderly with 3+ chronic conditions spent more than 10% of their

income on health, compared to 11% of the total nonelderly population.

• Many policy experts believe new technologies and the spread of existing ones account for a

large portion of medical spending and its growth.

Although health care spending around the globe is increasing the U.S. spends approximately $8,400 per capita (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2010). The price of this increased spending weighs heavily on the government, American citizens, and businesses. The rise

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending HCS 440 Health Care Spending Health care spending in the United States is a key contributor to the country's economy. The health care industry provides employment as well as providing services that bring healthier lifestyles, better productivity, and a longer life. Health care also brings the development of new drugs and new medical technology that also helps keep the economy employed. However, although the health care and health care spending does tend to help the economy slightly it is beginning to hinder our economy. "In all industrialized countries, with the exception of the United States, health care affordability is ensured through universal insurance based or tax- finances systems" (Squires, 2012, p. 1). Even though the United States spends more in health care than other countries it does not mean the United States has better quality of care than the other countries. Health care spending is depleting this country and the quality of care is not improving. The United States needs to change the way it spends money on health care before it is too late. Current National Health Care Expenditures In 1980 the health care expenditure was at $256 billion, in 2010 the expenditure went up more than 10 times to $2.6 trillion. The spending, however, has slowed in the last few years. The health care expenditure was growing rapidly from the late 1900s to the early 2000s but has slowed slightly. However, it is still expected that the health care...

Words: 1699 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending Marsha Whiteside October 1, 2012 HCS/440 Caryn Callahan Health Care spending is on the rise and is going to continue to rise year after year. The United States spends more on health care than any other country and with the loss of many jobs and low income families the spending is going to continue to rise. The United States spends nearly $2 trillion annually and spends two-and-half times more than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average (Johnson, 2012). There are many factors that contribute to the health care spending which include: technology, prescription drugs, rise of chronic diseases, and administrative cost. Not all people are in agreement with the health care spending in the United States and feel if there was some changes made, the spending would be lower and the United States could focus on other issues. The level of current nation health care expenditures is on the rise and is causing hardship on families as well as businesses. The United States spent seventeen percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health care which is higher than any other nation (Johnson, 2012). Fifty one percent of the health care expenditures in 2010 were made up of hospital care and physician/clinical services. The other forty nine percent includes: home health care, other professional services, nursing home care, Rx drugs, government administration, net cost of health insurance, investment, and other health and personal...

Words: 1312 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...for illnesses. Today in society health care organizations are working side by side with third parties, which are insurance companies, to receive payments for treating individuals when he or she become ill or are in need of serious medical attention, such as surgery procedures. Employers offer health benefits to the employees, which he or she can also add family members to his or her insurance policy to be treated and seen for health care services. The price for health care services are rising every year, and it is making it hard for most individuals to afford health care. Low income individuals and illegal immigrants are those who suffer because they cannot afford the high prices of health insurance premiums. These outrageous health care costs definitely occur because of the costly spending health care facilities due to keeping the facility open for business. The health care industry has grown to become a business and use marketing techniques to compete against other health care facilities. To keep clientele, some hospitals do major upgrades to attract and keep new and old patients. Also purchasing state of the art equipment has its advantages. It shows to outside individuals that the quality of care at their facility would be the best because of the use of smart and up to date technology. As a result of malpractice lawsuits, individuals play a role in the cost of health care services today in society. In consequence of these lawsuits, health care providers have to follow a routine...

Words: 1214 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending Sheilah Schmidt HCS/440 July 21, 2014 Marcia Smith Health Care Spending Health care is rising rapidly. Health care spending is a serious and major issue that needs more focus and stability. In 2009, the gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 17.6% and reached $2.5 trillion. The United States spends thousands of dollars per person for health care. People treated and diagnosed for chronic conditions, and obesity rates are still at large. The current health expenditure for the United States is 15.7% in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Hospital care, physician and clinical services are responsible for half of the national health care spending increase between 2005 and 2009 (Understanding U.S. Health Care Spending, 2011). If nobody takes action, bankruptcy may be present. Further readings will explain the level of current national health care expenditures and whether the spending is too much or not enough. Further readings will also address where the nation should add the cut; how the public’s health care needs are paid for; and the future economic needs of the health care system. Current National Health Care Expenditures In 2012, the United States spent $2.87 trillion on health care (Management, 2013, p. 1). In 2013, the United States spent $2.9 trillion on health care which is a 3.8% increase. According to Emanuel (2013), the United States spent more than the French and German economy. Health care spending is a big issue in the United States than in any...

Words: 1582 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending By: Davida McKnight HCS/440 Pranab Root February 16, 2015 Health Care Spending In today’s society the purpose of our nation’s health care practices has shifted from supplying and meeting the medical needs of patients to the supply and demand of fee-for-service care. Our growing health care crisis is the results of medical organizations working with third party payers and private insurance sectors focusing more on the assets of funding instead of the quality of care for patients. As a result the rising cost of health care is continuously huge issue affecting our economy making it difficult for many Americans to live comfortably within our economy less known afford insurance services. The quality of care is not a priority of many health care professionals but the necessity of meeting quantity over volume is the mission of many health care groups. Health care organizations has lost their dedication for healing and helping patients to avoiding and profiting patient volumes. The trending rates of inflation, increased health insurance coverage, demographics, provider merging, technology and the lack of health provider-patient care ratios are enormous contributors as well affecting our nation’s health care spending. The National Health Care Expenditure The National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA) are the official estimates of total health care spending in the United States. Dating back to 1960, the NHEA measures annual U.S. expenditures for health...

Words: 1683 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending The U.S. devotes considerably more of its economy to health care than other developed countries. Health care spending has been on the rise for the last couple of decades. The current expenditures have risen from 724.0 billion dollars in 1990 to 2,486.3 billion in 2009 (US census, 2011). Today, we are a nation with Health Care Reform signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010, also known as the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The unfortunate health circumstances for many Americans became more evident as years passed and the health industry only grew. Healthcare services have become a luxury out of reach of many and a financial burden for others. We will further analyze the financial circumstance that has been questioned by many and that at the moment is being revised and hopefully altered for a better outcome. Over the years, there have been many changes ranging from the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) boom in the 80’s and 90’s to the more current trend of companies moving toward Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHP). In 2008, health care spending accounted for 16.2% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, highest of all industrialized countries (Kaiser Foundation, 2010). The grow rate for health insurance over the past decade has been around 4.4%, which is higher than the growth rate for national income. Not only is healthcare spending too high but more importantly not accessible to the majority of the American population...

Words: 494 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending Jackie Shaw HCS 440 December 19th 2011 Health Care Spending The United States spends more on health care than any other country in the world. The current level of national health care expenditures is astounding. “In 2011, the anticipated total of health care government spending in the United States is 1108.2 billion dollars” (Chantrill, n.d.). Over the years the total of health care spending has increasingly amplified; in 1996 $396.78 billion was spent on health care in 2000 $469.80 billion was spent on health care, and in 2009 $989.65 billion was spent on health care (Chantrill, n.d.). Between 1996 and 2009, a period of 13 years, health care spending increased $592.87 billion dollars. In the following I will discuss the level of current national health care expenditures, whether spending is too much or not enough, where the nation should add or cut funds and why, how the public’s health care needs are paid and the future economic needs of the health care system. The level of current national health care expenditures The level of national health care expenditures is considerably high in comparison, to any other country in the world. “Health spending in the United States is much higher than in other countries – at least $2,535 dollars, or 51% higher than Norway, the next largest per capita spender” (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2011, para. 3). In addition in 2009 the United States spent more than 17% of its gross domestic product on healthcare, which...

Words: 1554 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending HCS440 Economics the Financing of Health Care University of Phoenix Jonathan Kilroy Talesha Magby Healthcare Spending Over the past couple of years health care spending has been going up higher and snuggles to keep health care cost low. Insurance companies have gone up more when medical expenses started arriving. When Obama have insurance call Obama care, this requires that everyone to have insurance either through his or her job, Medicare, or Obama care. With health care insurance most American still does not have insurance; however the government over the next year would require him or her to have insurance or his or her taxes would be taking. This research paper will explain the level expenditures in health care, health care spending add or cut of health care and public need for paid in health care. According to the reading, “rising costs led Medicare and insurance companies to tighten reimbursing practices, Getzen. T. E. & Allen B ((2007)). Insurance is rising because health care is so expensive then over the past couple of years. However, healthcare expenditures continue to develop quickly within the next few years. This mean with the health care rising there would...

Words: 1367 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Reform Part I Health care spending in the United States is among the highest of industrialized nations (Health Policy Education, 2011). Health care reform found its roots in the 1900s when just prior to that physicians were caring for hospitalized patients without charge. Today it is a main political issue tipping the scales toward a presidential election. Team C chose this topic because of the serious nature and as future managers, leaders in health care administration; a greater understanding is required. This team seeks to discuss three major points in regard to health care spending, such as unnecessary spending, options if health care reforms fail, and ongoing coverage for ongoing care as it relates to macroeconomics and also propose three solutions identified within the research, respectively, information technology, influence of pricing and allocation of services, and prevention. Background Health care expenses in the United States were in excess of $2.3 trillion in 2008. Accounting for three times as much spent in 1990 and eight times that spent in 1980. According to Kaiseredu.org (2010),”This equated to $7,681 per resident and accounted for 16.2% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)” (Background). Below is a graph taken from Kaiser.EDU.org, which depicts how dollars were spent in regard to health care 2008. Today health care costs account for 16% of the nation’s GDP. On an individual basis, per capita, the cost is twice that of other major...

Words: 2301 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending Paper Milagros Garcia HCS440 November 2nd, 2011 Professor Larry Gonzales Health Care Spending Early in history physicians cared for patients and charged them at a reasonable rate for the goods and services provided to him or her for illnesses. Today in society health care organizations are working side-by-side with third parties, which are insurance companies, to receive payments for treating individuals when he or she become ill or are in need of serious medical attention, such as surgery procedures. Employers offer health benefits to the employees, which he or she can also add family members to his or her insurance policy to be treated and seen for health care services. The price for health care services are rising every year, and it is making it hard for most individuals to afford health care. Low-income individuals and illegal immigrants are those who suffer because they cannot afford the high prices of health insurance premiums. These outrageous health care costs definitely occur because of the costly spending health care facilities due to keep the facility open for business. The health care industry has grown to become a business and use marketing techniques to compete against other health care facilities. To keep clientele, some hospitals do major upgrades to attract and keep new and old patients. Also purchasing state of the art equipment has its advantages. It shows to outside individuals that the quality of care at their facility...

Words: 1284 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending Ninnette Paulino HCS/440 Economics: The Financing of Health Care August 25, 2013 Michele Burka America’s national health care spending grew by 3.9% each year from 2009 to 2011, the lowest since the federal government began keeping these records in 1960. That slow growth appears to have continued into 2012, when expenditures totaled an estimated $2.8 trillion. The biggest reason for this slowdown is that people have spent less on health care in weak economic times. As people were losing their jobs they were losing their health coverage and then hold off on seeing a physician. Even workers that are employed with company-sponsored plans they face large-out-of-pocket costs that they’d rather avoid unless it is truly necessary (Luhby, 2013). According to the Kaiser Family and Foundation and Altarum Institute, they predict that this dampened spending pattern is unlikely to last much longer. As the economy picks up, health care spending is expected to increase, rising to an annual growth rate of more than 7% annually by the end of the decade (Luhby, 2013). When President Obama released his fiscal 2014 budget he proposed a chained CPI- to shrink cost-of-living adjustments for retirees. The use of chained CPI in Social Security and elsewhere in the budget would reduce deficits by $230 billion over a decade. It is also includes $392 billion in savings from Medicare and other health programs by raising Medicare premiums for wealthy retirees and negotiating...

Words: 1395 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending Paper C Murphy HCS 440 December 19, 2011 Health Care Spending Paper Today, health care issues within the United States are still a major concern in regards to where people of our communities do not always agree with what is being done and what is not being done. The three major issues with health care spending is how much is it going to cost and where is the money going to come from? The amount of per-patient costs have doubled more in the United States than other nations around us. The last issue is the amount of Americans that has no health care at all. This paper will discuss the healthcare expenditures that is necessary for our entire population. It is no secret that costs have been on the constant rise for many years. The expenditures in the United States related to health care, passed over $2 trillion in the year 2008. This has many affects not just on families that are trying to make it but also the businesses and the public budgets. Spending on health care costs are rising faster than the current state of the economy as a whole and also faster than the working people's wages. The United States spends about 20% of the GDP ( gross domestic product) on health care alone opposed to other countries that are spending no more than 12%. Within the next decade or so, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid predict that the health care growth will surpass the GDP. In the United States, we have the most expensive health care system because it is based...

Words: 735 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...the exponential growth of health care spending, as a portion of the GDP, will eventually consume much of the government income as well as suck the resources from personal consumption and create more issues to spiral out of control. The writer takes a deeper angle of looking at health care spending as a result of inconsistent production. To better understand the core of the problem, looking deeper at the health services, consumption of goods, and overall usage of resources have to be seen as a basis of GDP. In other words, as a society, everything people use for everyday living must be produced by the people themselves. If society only creates a certain amount of goods and services, but more of these same goods and services are being depleted at a rate higher than production, special attention must be given to this predicament. The author does not describe particular strategies or techniques, but seems to imply areas that require more focus and attention in order to redirect funding through the proper channels. Using the GDP as its guiding force, rather than just overall health care spending, the author uses graphical analysis to show how health care must be solved internally from a production standpoint (input adjustments) rather than just explaining how much is actually demanded by consumers. Personal health consumptions have risen indirectly with that of nondurable and durable goods showing that people are forced to use more their income towards health services. In the past 33...

Words: 1017 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Instructor Ethical standards are important with any organization but more so when it deals with financial reporting. In health care today organizations must use ethical and financial practices that are superb to guarantee a successful organization. In today’s health care, finance is very important allowing for a successful organization. In the health care industry like any other business those in the health care industry must adopt a standard for ethical and financial practices to help increase the value of the organization. Having high financial standards and ethical values this helps to improve the consumer confidence of all that utilize the services of that particular organization. When individuals are looking for health care they will not utilize an organization that is known for having a high death rate, but rather one where the death rate is low. The health care industry is one of the toughest industries within the United States. Those who work in the health care industry are responsible for the decisions that pertain to a person’s life and how the money within the organization will be spent. They are also responsible for the cost of medical services utilized within the community. A declining economy has helped to make the health care environment at times difficult and challenging for patients, physicians, policymakers, and society. It is important that health care organizations have a code of ethics to ensure that all departments are doing what is expected of them and also that...

Words: 875 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Health Care Spending

...Health Care Spending My position on national health care spending is way too much monies is going out and not enough people supporting the problem. A universal health care plan for every man, woman, and child who resides in the United States is the most economical way to achieve this goal. All working citizens must have monies automatically taken out of their paychecks and if you can afford more than the basic plan, then there will be plans available that you can upgrade to like Aflac. No matter how poor or how rich you are, everyone has the basic plan and everyone contributes to that plan. In this paper we will discuss the current level of national health care expenditures, the level of spending, where the nation should cut, and how the general public’s needs are being paid by, to finally doing some forecasting of future economic needs. At a NCSL Legislative Summit in August, 2013 it was noted that America spends, on average, nearly $9,000 per person on health care each year. The cost to the nation is $2.8 trillion, almost 18 percent of the GDP. The GDP is projected to be at 19.6 percent by 2021 (National Conference of State Legislation, 2013). In the projected years of 2011-2021 Medicare is expected to have a growth of 6.1% per year average over these years, Medicaid growth is expected to be 8.2% per year, private spending average per year 5.3%. By 2021, federal, state, and local government health care spending is projected to be nearly 50 percent of the national health expenditures...

Words: 2267 - Pages: 10