The total number of people without health insurance in the US has risen to 47 million according to a recent study, representing a 22% increase since the year 2000. The inflation rate of health care costs has outpaced other sectors of the economy for more than 20 years. Total health care expenditures in 2008 were $2.4 Trillion, approximately $7,900 per person, representing 17% of GDP.
Average employer health insurance costs increased 5% in 2008, with coverage for a family of 4 averaging nearly $13,000, and cost for a single individual over $4,700. MajorMedical.org will launch a forum shortly to facilitate discussion of this growing crisis.
