U.S. Healthcare Spending Highest Among 20 Nations, Outcomes Lag
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A 2024 analysis by The Commonwealth Fund finds the United States spends far more on healthcare than comparable nations while achieving lower life expectancy and higher preventable death rates. The U.S. spends 18% of its GDP on healthcare, nearly double the average of 9.3% across the 20 countries studied. Americans are also the most likely to skip needed care due to costs.
Facts First
- The U.S. spends 18% of its GDP on healthcare, nearly double the 20-country average of 9.3%.
- Americans are most likely to skip medications or treatments due to costs.
- U.S. life expectancy is 79 years, ranking third lowest among the nations studied.
- The U.S. has the second-highest avoidable mortality rate, surpassed only by Mexico.
- The U.S. spends more per person and on prescriptions than any other country in the comparison.
What Happened
The Commonwealth Fund released an updated analysis comparing healthcare system performance across 20 countries. The United States spent 18 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare, the highest among the nations studied. The average spending across the 20 countries was 9.3 percent of GDP. Germany was the second-highest spender at 12.3 percent. The United States spends more on care per person and more on prescription medications than the other 19 countries.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in the United States, you are paying into a system that spends far more than other nations but delivers worse results for the average person. You are more likely than people in other countries to skip medications, treatments, tests, or doctor visits because of the cost. The system's performance may affect your health outcomes; the U.S. has the third lowest life expectancy in the study (79 years) and the second-highest rate of deaths from preventable or treatable conditions.
What's Next
The data provides a clear benchmark for policymakers and health system leaders. The analysis could prompt further examination of why high U.S. spending does not translate into better population health. Efforts to reduce costs and improve access to primary care may become more urgent priorities.