By The healthcare landscape has been marked by a significant surge in costs, with prices increasing by 14% over the past five years. This rise has been felt across all service categories, impacting both providers and consumers. The report sheds light on the trends and implications of this upward trajectory in healthcare spending.
The increase in healthcare prices has been steady and relentless, with an 18.7% hike in average healthcare spending per person from 2018 to 2022. This trend is not isolated to a single facet of healthcare but is pervasive across various service categories, including outpatient, physician, and prescription drug sectors.
Out-of-pocket spending for individuals has also seen an uptick, with the average amount rising from $804 in 2018 to $866 in 2022. This growth in expenditure reflects the broader inflationary pressures within the healthcare system and underscores the financial burden increasingly borne by consumers.
Utilization vs. Cost: A Balancing Act
While overall healthcare prices have surged, the utilization of services tells a different story. There has been a modest 4% growth in healthcare utilization, encompassing outpatient, physician, and prescription drug categories. However, this is juxtaposed against an 11% decrease in average inpatient admissions over the same period.
The contrasting trends between utilization and cost highlight a complex dynamic within the healthcare industry. Factors such as technological advancements, policy changes, and consumer behavior all play a role in shaping these patterns.
Prescription Drugs: A Closer Look
Prescription drugs stand out with a notable 21% increase in average point-of-sale prices from 2018 to 20221. While rebates may offset a portion of this growth, the rise in drug prices remains a critical concern for stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum.
The report suggests that while the healthcare system continues to grapple with cost management and efficiency, the price of prescription drugs will likely remain a hot-button issue in the ongoing discourse on healthcare affordability.