Health care spending

January 7, 2013 - 9:17 PM

Medical spending increased 4.1 percent to $2.7 trillion in 2011, but the percentage of the Gross Domestic Product remained stable at 17.9 percent for the third consecutive year. Here's a look at the ups and downs of health care spending in 2011.

UP

Medicare spending: Increased 6.2% in 2011 after a 4.3% increase in 2010.

Cost of doctor and clinical services: Increased 4.3% in 2011 after a 3% increase in 2010.

Spending on prescription drugs: Increased 2.9% in 2011 after a historically low 0.4% in 2010.

Out-of-pocket spending for health care: Increased 2.8% in 2011 after a 2.1% increase in 2010.

DOWN

Medicaid spending: Increased only 2.5% in 2011 after a 5.9% jump in 2010.

Use of hospital services: Fell 4.2% from 2010.

Source: Office of the Actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services