Health Care Highest in Northeast

Posted September 23, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: In The News, His Health, Physical Health

This week the Associated Press reported that annual health care spending is at a high in North America, particularly the Northeast. This is important for our readers to understand, because it affects the health, treatment and care of all individuals in this country.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the national average of health care spending per person is $5, 283 and $6,151 in Northeastern states.  Highest spending came from District of Columbia at $8,295, followed by Massachusetts, Maine, and New York all with average spending close to $7,000.  Accumulated costs were based on insurance, personal expenses, Medicaid, Medicare, and various other sources.

CMS reported that such results are likely due to several characteristics that most Northeastern states have in common.  High personal income, large concentration of physicians, and low rates of uninsured individuals are all factors typical of this area and are thought to significantly contribute to the amount of money that goes into the health care system each year.

States with lower health care expenditures are those in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions, with Utah as the state with the lowest spending, at an average of $3,972.  Unlike the Northeast, these states have less access to medical facilities which is the likely reason behind their low average.

For the complete findings of the report, click the Associated Press link below.

Research sources and for more information: [Associated Press]; [picture]