What Drives Health Spending in the U.S. Compared to Other Countries

People in the US spend $5,683 more per person on healthcare compared to similar wealthy nations, according to an analysis from the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. About 80% of this difference is due to inpatient and outpatient care costs. The US also outspends on prescription drugs, with a per capita spend of $1,635 in 2021, compared to an average of $944 in comparable countries.