Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues
Health Costs
COSTS AMID The Pandemic
COVID-19 Test Prices and Payment Policy
This analysis examines what large hospitals nationwide charge for out-of-network COVID-19 tests. It finds a wide range of publicly posted prices — from $20 to $850 for a single test. In many cases, the prices exceed what Medicare pays for COVID testing.
KEY RESOURCES
- Employer Health
Employer Survey Finds Average Family Premiums Top $20,000
The 2019 Employer Health Benefits Survey finds annual family premiums for employer health insurance rose 5% to average $20,576 this year. On average, workers pay $6,015 toward the cost. - Consolidation
What We Know About Provider Consolidation
Revenue losses during the pandemic could intensify the trend toward consolidation among health care providers, in spite of federal financial assistance. We review the existing research on the impact of consolidation on health care costs and quality. - Drug Importation
10 FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation
The idea of allowing drugs to be imported from Canada and other countries is popular with Americans across the political spectrum, but has yet to be implemented due to concerns about safety, and strong opposition from the drug industry. - POLLING
Data Note: Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs
This data note compiles our recent polling on the public’s experiences with and worries about health care costs,.
employer BENEFITS
Latest Polling154M
People under age 65 across the country rely on employer-sponsored health coverage. (State Health Facts)
$1655
Average annual deductible for single coverage in employer-sponsored plans. (2019 Employer Health Benefits Survey)
57%
of employers offer health benefits, the same as last year and similar to a decade ago. (2019 Employer Health Benefits Survey)
72%
of large firms offering health benefits ask workers to disclose personal health information through risk assessments or biometric screenings, usually with financial incentives to do so. (Data Note)
- interactive
National Health Spending Explorer
Explore up-to-date information on U.S. health spending by federal and local governments, private companies, and individuals. - health Costs
Surprise Bills Vary by Diagnosis and Type of Admission
This analysis finds that people with employer coverage receive surprise medical bills more often when admitted for certain conditions, including heart attacks, surgery (including mastectomies) and mental health or substance abuse treatment. - INTERACTIVE
Household Health Spending Calculator
This interactive tool highlights how much Americans spend on health based on family size, income level, insurance source, and health status. - National Spending
How do Health Expenditures Vary Across the Population?
This analysis explores variations in health spending and finds that the 5% of Americans with the highest spending account for almost half of all spending.
