The cost of healthcare often leads people to not seek diagnosis or treatment, which results in the economically disadvantaged typically having the worst health outcomes. A 2021 survey from the Commonwealth Fund revealed that 1/3 of insured adults and ½ of uninsured adults said they had a medical bill problem or were paying off medical debt.
National health expenditures grew 9.7% to $4.1 trillion in 2020, or $12,530 per person, and accounted for 19.7% of Gross Domestic Product. Despite massive legislation, disruption from the private sector and attempts at reform from consumer groups and nonprofits, affordability remains elusive prey in the tangled jungle of healthcare.
Affordability was a healthcare industry trend in our 2022 March Healthcare Classic. Explore this year’s interactive bracket to see the most impactful healthcare trends face off.