1. U.S. Spending Higher: Health Spending in Selected OECD Countries, 1980–2012
Average spending on health per capita ($US PPP)
Total health expenditures as percent of GDP
U.S. with the pack in 1980, but then took off
Almost $8,000 per person / 18% of GDP by 2009
Difference as a share of GDP between US and next highest countries (Norway and Switzerland at about 12% equals $750 Billion per year
This is more than Social Security, more than Defense and about equal to federal, state and local spending on education.
IF we go slowly enough to reach 16% of GDP in the future – still much higher than any other country – it would release about $300 Billion to the economy.
Could be redirected to schools, engineering, roads/trains, toxic waste, housing, alternative energy sources.
Alternative housing for frail elderly and disabled with support to manage chronic conditions to avoid nursing homes and frequent trips to emergency departments
Double or more than double what is spent in many other wealthy countries
Note: PPP = Purchasing power parity.
Source: Commonwealth Fund, from OECD Health Statistics Available at