US Healthcare Spending Hits Five Trillion Dollars As Prices Outpace GDP Growth

By Lydia Zuraw and Renuka Rayasam · KFF Health News · 2026-10-23

National healthcare expenditures reached $5.3 trillion in 2024, accounting for 18% of the total US economy. KFF Health News reports that this surge is driven by escalating service prices rather than increased patient volume, noting that Americans utilize doctor visits half as oft

National healthcare expenditures reached $5.3 trillion in 2024, accounting for 18% of the total US economy. KFF Health News reports that this surge is driven by escalating service prices rather than increased patient volume, noting that Americans utilize doctor visits half as oft