Some of the website's stats include the following:

In 2019, average premiums (employee and employer shares) and out-of-pocket costs for a family of two or more covered by employer-sponsored insurance is $22,960 – and by 2040, the total will increase to $53,940 if no action is done.

"Medical bills strike more fear in the hearts of Americans than serious illness… the very health and wealth of our nation and its people are at stake," writes West Health's president and CEO Shelley Lyford.

The U.S. currently spends $360 billion for prescription drugs, but by 2040, that cost will rise to $1.13 trillion.

"Food. Clothing. Rent. Utilities. Many Americans must make hard choices to afford medications," the website reads. "Even worse, almost one in five forgo needed prescription drugs due to cost. With drug companies charging higher and higher prices, fewer Americans will be able to afford the drugs they need."

Hospital prices have grown 600 percent since 1990.

"Going to the hospital can be a huge financial blow for Americans," the website reads. "Insurers, employers, and everyday people all feel the pain of rising healthcare prices, including hospital stays, physician visits and prescription drugs. Unless we act now, we can expect the cost of a hospital stay to reach $135,000 by 2040."

Employers are currently spending $810 million to support employee health care, but by 2040, that cost will rise to $2 trillion – again, if no action is taken.

"As a business spends more and more for employee health insurance, less and less is left for investing in their company's future," the website reads. "It's no wonder Warren Buffett calls healthcare 'the tapeworm of the U.S. economy.'"

Instant Insights /

Data shows health care costs skyrocketing by 2040

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You