(Benefits Update, No. 1, February 2012)
Two new studies just out highlight the extraordinary problems
now facing the United States health system, and some of the
consequences that could befall the country if critical parts of
health reform are stripped away.
Who Spends The Most On Healthcare?
The first study, issued by the federal government's Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality on January 11, identified who
in America is spending money on healthcare, and found that in 2008
and 2009, only 5% of the civilian population accounted for almost
50% of healthcare expenditures.
More significantly, 1% of the population accounted for
approximately 21% of total healthcare expenses. According to the
report, these expenses totaled approximately $1.26 trillion in
2009, meaning that the top 5% spent around $630 billion on
healthcare, while the top 1% spent $265 billion. Of equal
significance, 50% of the civilian population accounted for only 3%
of overall healthcare
