AHRQ Stats

Nearly 85 percent of the population had health care expenses in 2011. The average annual expense was $5,056 per person. (Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Statistical Brief #425: National Health Care Expenses in the U.S. Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population, 2011.)

Highlights

Overall, the mean and median expenses of persons with any health care expenses in 2011 (84.6 percent of the population) were $5,056 and $1,312, respectively.
Hospital inpatient expenses and ambulatory care (office-based visits and hospital outpatient care) each accounted for nearly one-third of total expenses for the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population, while prescribed medicines accounted for over one-fifth of total expenses.
Dental expenses comprised a larger proportion of expenses for children under age 18 than adults ages 18-64 or persons age 65 and older while prescribed medicines accounted for a smaller share of health care expenses for children than adults ages 18-64 or persons age 65 and older.
Private insurance paid for 43.4 percent of total expenses; Medicare paid 24.4 percent, individuals and family members paid 13.9 percent out of pocket, and Medicaid/CHIP paid 10.8 percent. The proportions paid out of pocket and by private insurance were lower for persons age 65 and older when compared to children under age 18 or adults ages 18-64.
Average annual health care expenses varied substantially by type of health insurance coverage for persons under age 65 and for persons age 65 and older.