Health Costs

affordability
How Much and Why ACA Marketplace Premiums Are Going Up in 2026
This analysis of insurers’ initial rate filings for ACA Marketplace plans in all 50 states and DC finds the median proposed increase for 2026 is 18%, more than double last year’s proposed increase.
Health Spending
How Healthcare Prices and Utilization in the United States Compare to Peer Nations?
This chart collection compares indicators of health care utilization and prices in the U.S. and 11 peer nations to investigate whether higher prices or higher utilization of healthcare services drives high health care spending in the U.S.
AFFORDABILITY
How Much Premiums are Going up for Small Businesses in 2026
This analysis of preliminary rate filings from 318 insurers across all 50 states and DC finds that small businesses with Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant plans could face a median premium increase of 11% for 2026.
Health Spending
How Much is Health Spending Expected to Grow?
This updated chart collection explores how health spending is expected to grow in coming years, based on National Health Expenditure projections from federal actuaries. By 2033, health spending is expected to hit $8.6 trillion.

KEY RESOURCES

Health Policy 101: Costs and Affordability
This Health Policy 101 chapter explores trends in health care costs in the U.S. and the factors that contribute to this spending. It also examines how health care spending varies and the impact on affordability and people's overall financial vulnerability.
Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs
This data note reviews our recent polling data that finds that Americans struggle to afford many aspects of health care, including disproportionate shares of uninsured adults, Black and Hispanic adults and those with lower incomes.
National Health Spending Explorer
This interactive Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker tool allows users to examine five decades worth of data on health expenditures by federal and local governments, private insurers, and individuals.
Polling on Prescription Drugs and Their Prices
This chart collection draws on recent KFF poll findings to provide an in-depth look at the public’s attitudes toward prescription drugs and their prices. Results include Americans’ opinions on drug affordability, pharmaceutical companies, and various potential measures that could lower prices.