Consumer Out-Of-Pocket Inches UP

Out-of-pocket consumer health care spending hit another high – $307.7 billion or 11.4% of the total health care budget – in 2011. According to the analysts (see U.S. Health Care Spending Grows 3.9% In 2011), the rise in this spending is due to consumer higher cost-sharing requirements in health benefit plans and increased enrollment in consumer-directed health plans.

What are the market segments with significant consumer out-of-pocket spending? These statistics paint an interesting picture of the financing landscape:

Mental health – In 2005 consumers footed $13.56 billion, or 12%, of $113 billion . . .