Spending on Children’s Personal Health Care in the United States, 1996-2013

Abstract

In 2014, the United States spent $2.9 trillion on health care, comprising more than 17% of US gross domestic product, or $9255 per person.¹ More than 1 in 4 Americans is a child or adolescent younger than 20 years, representing more than 80 million individuals and potential users of health care.² Because children and adolescents receive a disproportionately small percentage of health care spending, and because health care investments at this age can be integral in ensuring a healthy life, it is important that resources are allocated efficiently across age groups, health conditions, and types of care. To determine if the allocation is efficient, a basic understanding of current spending allocations is essential—how much is being spent on children’s health care, which conditions are leading to health care, and how trends evolve over time.