HEALTH CARE SPENDING

Health care costs in the United States are skyrocketing. People are feeling the pinch as they brace for another round of premium hikes. Those who buy insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace without financial help can expect to pay about 18% more in 2026. In some cases, costs could double.

Health care spending can vary greatly from one place to another. This isn't just about how much money people have. It's also about where they live. Some places spend a lot more on health care than others. Why does this happen? One big reason is the cost of living. In cities, everything is more expe