The first chart compares the per capita expenditures on health care in the U.S. with that of seven foreign nations. As you can see the U.S. dramatically outspends these nations on a per person basis. The second chart shows how per capita expenditures on health care in the U.S. have increased over time. The second chart also gives projections on where the per capita health care expenditures are headed over the next decade. Check in tomorrow to see similar charts that compare health care spending as a percentage of gross domestic product.
Data Source:
> World Health Organization. World Health Statistics 2008, Part 2: Global health indicators.
> Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary. National Health Expenditure Accounts - Historical, Table 1: National Health Expenditures Aggregate, Per Capita Amounts, Percent Distribution, and Average Annual Percent Growth, by Source of Funds: Selected Calendar Years 1960-2007.
> Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary. National Health Expenditure Accounts - Projected, Table 1: National Health Expenditures; Aggregate and Per Capita Amounts, Percent Distribution, and Average Annual Percent Growth, by Source of Funds: Calendar Years 2003-2018.
Note: The first chart represents 2006 spending (the latest World Health Organization data). WHO also has a slightly lower number for U.S. per capita expenditures on health care than does the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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