January 16, 2026- U.S. health care spending reached $5.3 trillion in 2024 — growing 7.2% from 2023 — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported Jan. 14 in Health Affairs. CMS cited non-price factors, including use and intensity of services, as the primary drivers of increased spending. Spending on hospital care increased 8.9% due to continued post-pandemic rebounds in service use.