Americans are visiting doctors, undergoing hospital procedures, and obtaining prescriptions more often than economists and budget analysts had expected. In particular, spending on weight loss drugs has emerged as a unique category, straining budgets nationwide.
With the rise in healthcare services combined with the country’s already high prices, the healthcare sector now occupies a larger portion of the economy, according to new data. These findings underscore the widespread dissatisfaction among people with the affordability of healthcare.
The nation spent $5.7 trillion on healthcare in 2025, reflecting a 7.3% rise from 2024, based on the latest government data published in the journal Health Affairs on Wednesday. This equates to nearly $16,500 per individual.
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