Report predicts medical spending in 2021 could be 10% higher than 2020

There could be up to a 10% increase in the cost of medical spending per patient next year depending on how the pandemic plays out, according to a new report. On the low end of the spectrum, researchers estimate that if the current first wave of the pandemic is followed by a second wave that extends into next year, then deferred medical services could lead to only a 4% increase in medical spending next year. However, if the economy and country recover from the current first wave of the coronavirus by fall 2020, then it's possible that people will seek out medical care and services they put off during the first part of 2020, driving up patient spending by 10% next year. Increased mental health care is likely to drive up costs, the report suggests, while telehealth going mainstream as a result of Covid-19 might decrease costs.