Here are four things to know from the report, which is based on recent U.S. Labor Department statistics:
1. The cost of medical care services increased by 2.1 percent in the 12 months ending November. This is down from a 3.2 percent increase in 2020 and a 5.1 percent increase in 2019.
2. Medical care commodities — such as drugs, disposables and supplies — increased by 0.2 percent in the same period.
3. Many economists and policymakers predict prices in all sectors, including healthcare, to increase at a fast pace.
4. The report predicts that healthcare prices will matter more to consumers, as 37 percent of those who have an annual salary of less than $50,000 struggle with medical debt. This compares to 26 percent of those who make $50,000 to $99,000 and 14 percent of those who make $100,000 or more.
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