Total U.S. Health Care Spending Increased 121.4% Over 20 Years

Between 1996 and 2016, total health care spending in the United States increased approximately 121.4%, from an estimated $1.4 trillion in 1996 to about $3.1 trillion in 2016. During the same period, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index indicates that the average inflation rate was 2.15% per year, for a total 52.97% rise in cost of goods and services.

Adjusted public insurer (Medicare and Medicaid, other federal, other public/state/local government, and Veterans Affairs) health care spending increased by 2.9% annually during the period. Private insurer (other private, TRICARE . . .