U.S. 2016 Health Care Spending Projected At $3.4 Trillion, Up 4.8% Over 2015

In 2016, total national health care expenditures are projected to have reached nearly $3.4 trillion, up 4.8% over the $3.2 trillion in 2015. The growth rate between 2015 and 2016 was slower than between 2014 and 2015 because Medicaid spending slowed, as did the costs of prescription drugs. Under current law, from 2016 to 2025 national health expenditures are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.6%.

By 2025, health care expenditures are projected to represent 19.9% of gross domestic product, up from 17.8% in 2015. The insured share of the population . . .