GITNUXREPORT 2026

Health Insurance Services Industry Statistics

The health insurance industry grew to $1.5 trillion in 2023 as coverage expanded across diverse markets.

How We Build This Report

01
Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02
Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03
AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04
Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Statistics that could not be independently verified are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are elsewhere.

Our process →

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, U.S. health insurers provided $1.2 trillion in total benefits to members, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data summarized by A.M. Best

Statistic 2

In 2023, the U.S. health insurance industry had $1.3 trillion in incurred claims, per NAIC data summarized by A.M. Best

Statistic 3

In 2023, U.S. health insurers had $1.6 trillion in premiums, per NAIC data summarized by A.M. Best

Statistic 4

In 2023, U.S. health insurers had $611 billion in net written premiums, per NAIC data summarized by S&P Global Market Intelligence (article page)

Statistic 5

In 2022, U.S. private health insurance premiums were $1.38 trillion

Statistic 6

In 2022, employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) spending was $6,575 per enrollee

Statistic 7

In 2022, average annual premium for employer-sponsored coverage was $7,739 for single coverage and $22,221 for family coverage

Statistic 8

In 2022, average employer contribution for single coverage was $6,106 and for family coverage was $17,771

Statistic 9

In 2022, average employee contribution for single coverage was $1,633 and for family coverage was $4,451

Statistic 10

In 2022, the share of nonelderly people with private health insurance was 86.6%

Statistic 11

In 2022, the number of people in the U.S. enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance was about 158.6 million

Statistic 12

In 2022, Medicaid covered 82.2 million people in the U.S. (all ages)

Statistic 13

In 2022, Medicare covered 65.5 million people in the U.S.

Statistic 14

In 2022, marketplace enrollment (ACA Exchanges) was 12.2 million people

Statistic 15

In 2022, the average monthly premium for a benchmark plan in the ACA marketplace was $412

Statistic 16

In 2022, the total number of people buying coverage through the ACA marketplace was 12.2 million

Statistic 17

In 2023, total U.S. Medicare Advantage enrollment was 28.0 million

Statistic 18

In 2023, Medicare Advantage accounted for 51% of Medicare beneficiaries

Statistic 19

In 2023, Medicaid/CHIP enrollment was 90.2 million people

Statistic 20

In 2022, private health insurance covered 266.1 million people in the U.S.

Statistic 21

In 2022, the share of U.S. residents with health insurance was 91.5%

Statistic 22

In 2022, the Uninsured rate in the U.S. was 8.5%

Statistic 23

In 2022, the average annual spending per person on health insurance premiums was $5,200 (employer and other sources combined)

Statistic 24

In 2021, total U.S. national health expenditures were $4.3 trillion

Statistic 25

In 2021, national health expenditures grew by 4.9%

Statistic 26

In 2021, spending on health care services by insurers represented a major portion of national health expenditures; national health expenditures table shows insurer-related spending

Statistic 27

In 2022, per capita spending on health care in the U.S. was $12,555

Statistic 28

In 2022, health insurance spending included in national health expenditures rose to $1.8 trillion

Statistic 29

In 2021, private health insurance spending in national health expenditures was $1.5 trillion

Statistic 30

In 2022, public health insurance spending was $1.8 trillion in national health expenditures

Statistic 31

In 2022, Medicare accounted for 20% of national health expenditures

Statistic 32

In 2022, Medicaid accounted for 17% of national health expenditures

Statistic 33

In 2022, private insurance accounted for 34% of national health expenditures

Statistic 34

In 2022, the share of health expenditures spent on administrative costs was estimated at 8% for private insurance

Statistic 35

In 2022, administrative costs for public coverage were estimated at 3% (Medicare/Medicaid administrative costs comparison)

Statistic 36

In 2022, the average medical loss ratio (MLR) for ACA individual plans was 83%

Statistic 37

In 2022, the average MLR for ACA group plans was 88%

Statistic 38

In 2023, the NAIC reported 495 companies writing health insurance in the U.S.

Statistic 39

In 2023, total health insurance industry assets were $1.6 trillion

Statistic 40

In 2023, total health insurance industry liabilities were $1.3 trillion

Statistic 41

In 2023, health insurers’ statutory surplus totaled $290 billion

Statistic 42

In 2023, health insurers’ net income was $35 billion

Statistic 43

In 2023, U.S. managed care organizations (MCOs) reported $400 billion in revenue

Statistic 44

In 2021, U.S. health spending was 18.3% of GDP

Statistic 45

In 2022, health insurance coverage for under-65 included 33.2 million in Medicaid/CHIP (children and adults total)

Statistic 46

In the ACA marketplaces in 2023, 8.6 million people selected plans during Open Enrollment

Statistic 47

In 2023, the ACA marketplace had 12.9 million total plan selections across categories (enrolled population)

Statistic 48

In 2023, 3.5 million people in ACA marketplaces received cost-sharing reductions (CSRs)

Statistic 49

In 2023, 88% of people enrolling in ACA marketplace coverage qualified for financial assistance (premium tax credits)

Statistic 50

In 2023, average premium for ACA marketplace enrollees after subsidies was $104 per month

Statistic 51

In 2023, 6.4 million ACA marketplace enrollees used the federal Marketplace

Statistic 52

In 2023, 6.5 million ACA marketplace enrollees used state-based Marketplaces

Statistic 53

In 2023, Medicaid redeterminations resulted in coverage loss for at least 4.1 million people

Statistic 54

In 2022, 2.0 million people lost Medicaid coverage due to eligibility changes since unwinding began

Statistic 55

In 2022, 93% of people enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP had coverage for a full year

Statistic 56

In 2022, 13.9% of people ages 18-64 were uninsured

Statistic 57

In 2022, 7.6% of children were uninsured

Statistic 58

In 2022, 18.6% of working-age adults with income below $25,000 were uninsured

Statistic 59

In 2022, 22.4% of those with income 25,000-34,999 were uninsured

Statistic 60

In 2022, 10.7% of nonelderly people were uninsured

Statistic 61

In 2021, 28.5% of people ages 65+ had a Medigap plan (Medicare supplemental insurance)

Statistic 62

In 2023, 51% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage

Statistic 63

In 2023, Medicare Advantage had 28.0 million enrollees

Statistic 64

In 2023, traditional Medicare fee-for-service had 27.0 million beneficiaries

Statistic 65

In 2023, employer-sponsored insurance covered 158.6 million people

Statistic 66

In 2023, 55% of large firms offered health benefits to employees

Statistic 67

In 2023, 49% of small firms offered health benefits to employees

Statistic 68

In 2023, 64% of firms offered to cover part of premium costs for employees

Statistic 69

In 2022, 84% of firms offered health benefits covered at least some premium

Statistic 70

In 2022, 9% of adults reported being unable to see a doctor because of cost

Statistic 71

In 2022, 6% of adults skipped medical care due to costs

Statistic 72

In 2022, the uninsured rate among Hispanics was 18.6%

Statistic 73

In 2022, the uninsured rate among non-Hispanic Black people was 12.3%

Statistic 74

In 2022, the uninsured rate among non-Hispanic White people was 5.9%

Statistic 75

In 2022, 10.7% of adults 18-64 were uninsured

Statistic 76

In 2022, 29.1% of adults under 65 with incomes below the federal poverty level were uninsured

Statistic 77

In 2021, Medicaid eligibility expansion increased coverage; 14.5 million people gained coverage

Statistic 78

In 2022, 3.5% of people had only short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI)

Statistic 79

In 2023, 17% of individuals under 65 had a high deductible health plan (HDHP)

Statistic 80

In 2022, 18% of Americans under 65 reported having a deductible

Statistic 81

In 2022, average deductibles for single coverage in employer plans were $1,735

Statistic 82

In 2022, average deductibles for family coverage in employer plans were $3,590

Statistic 83

In 2022, average annual out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum was $4,036 for single coverage

Statistic 84

In 2022, average annual OOP maximum for family coverage was $8,386

Statistic 85

In 2022, the share of workers in employer plans with deductibles was 64%

Statistic 86

In 2022, the share of workers in employer plans with OOP max above $7,500 for family coverage was 30%

Statistic 87

In 2022, the average total family premium for employer coverage increased by 4% from 2021

Statistic 88

In 2022, premium contributions for single coverage rose by 4%

Statistic 89

In 2022, premium contributions for family coverage rose by 3%

Statistic 90

In 2022, average premium for single coverage increased to $7,739

Statistic 91

In 2022, average premium for family coverage increased to $22,221

Statistic 92

In 2022, the premium increase for single coverage from 2021 to 2022 was 3%

Statistic 93

In 2022, the premium increase for family coverage from 2021 to 2022 was 4%

Statistic 94

In 2022, the average annual HSA contribution among those with HDHP was $1,500

Statistic 95

In 2022, the median out-of-pocket spending among those with HDHP was $1,000

Statistic 96

In 2022, the share of workers offered an HDHP/consumer-driven plan was 29%

Statistic 97

In 2022, the median deductible for workers in HDHP was $1,700

Statistic 98

In 2022, the federal poverty level (FPL) was $13,590 for an individual, used in cost-sharing determinations in ACA

Statistic 99

In 2023, the ACA federal subsidy benchmark plan premium for a 40-year-old in 2023 was $504/month in many areas (average)

Statistic 100

In 2023, the average premium tax credit for ACA enrollees was $523/month

Statistic 101

In 2023, the average out-of-pocket maximum for ACA marketplace silver plans was $9,400 for a single person

Statistic 102

In 2022, average annual deductible for ACA silver plans was $5,000 (typical)

Statistic 103

In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Bronze plans was $451 (before subsidies)

Statistic 104

In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Silver plans was $487 (before subsidies)

Statistic 105

In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Gold plans was $575 (before subsidies)

Statistic 106

In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Platinum plans was $720 (before subsidies)

Statistic 107

In 2023, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for ACA plans was $9,450 for individuals

Statistic 108

In 2023, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for families in ACA plans was $18,900

Statistic 109

In 2022, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for ACA plans for individuals was $8,700

Statistic 110

In 2022, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for families in ACA plans was $17,400

Statistic 111

In 2023, average premium increase in the ACA marketplace was 7% (before subsidies)

Statistic 112

In 2023, average premium increase for ACA bronze plans was 6% (before subsidies)

Statistic 113

In 2022, medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates paid by health insurers were $1.8 billion under ACA MLR rules

Statistic 114

In 2021, MLR rebates paid were $1.0 billion

Statistic 115

In 2023, ACA-compliant individual market insurers had a minimum required MLR of 80%

Statistic 116

In 2023, ACA-compliant group market insurers had a minimum required MLR of 85%

Statistic 117

In 2022, insurers were required to spend at least 80% of premium revenue on clinical services for individual plans

Statistic 118

In 2022, insurers were required to spend at least 85% on clinical services for group plans

Statistic 119

In 2022, the average MLR for ACA individual market was 86%

Statistic 120

In 2022, the average MLR for ACA group market was 88%

Statistic 121

In 2021, the ACA required risk adjustment transfers totaled $28.4 billion across states

Statistic 122

In 2022, the total ACA risk adjustment transfers across states were $24.6 billion

Statistic 123

In 2023, risk adjustment user fees for HHS risk adjustment was $0.50 per covered life

Statistic 124

In 2022, CMS paid $23.7 billion in Medicare Advantage capitation

Statistic 125

In 2022, CMS paid $25.0 billion in Part D subsidies

Statistic 126

In 2023, CMS’s Program Integrity Strategy estimated improper payments for Medicare at 1.6%

Statistic 127

In 2023, CMS estimated improper payments for Medicaid at 7.2% (overall)

Statistic 128

In 2022, Medicare improper payment error rate was 8.5% for fee-for-service reviews (Medicare Fee-For-Service, improper payments)

Statistic 129

In 2021, the share of claims paid by Medicare Advantage that were denied was 2.4%

Statistic 130

In 2022, the HHS OIG found that Medicare Advantage overpayments were $1.2 billion

Statistic 131

In 2023, the NAIC reported that health insurers’ total incurred losses were $1.1 trillion

Statistic 132

In 2023, health insurers’ combined ratio was 97.4 (industry health segment measure)

Statistic 133

In 2023, health insurers’ loss ratio was 68.2

Statistic 134

In 2023, health insurers’ expense ratio was 29.2

Statistic 135

In 2022, insurers paid $16.2 billion in MLR rebates across all lines of business

Statistic 136

In 2021, insurers paid $9.5 billion in MLR rebates across all lines of business

Statistic 137

In 2022, the average HEDIS Star Rating for Medicare Advantage plans was 4.0

Statistic 138

In 2023, 64% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were in plans rated 4 stars or higher

Statistic 139

In 2023, the Medicare Advantage growth rate was 5.4% year-over-year in enrollment

Statistic 140

In 2022, Medicaid managed care organizations covered 51% of Medicaid beneficiaries

Statistic 141

In 2023, total U.S. health insurer administrative costs were estimated at $1,076 per person

Statistic 142

In 2023, administrative costs for private insurance were estimated at 12.7% of premiums

Statistic 143

In 2023, administrative costs for Medicare were estimated at 2.4% of premiums

Statistic 144

In 2022, the share of claims processed electronically (EDI) in health insurance was 95%

Statistic 145

In 2022, 99% of claims in health insurance were transmitted electronically in the U.S.

Statistic 146

In 2021, the number of Medicare claims processed by electronic means was 3.7 billion

Statistic 147

In 2022, the share of Medicare Part D prior authorization requests approved was 72%

Statistic 148

In 2022, the average processing time for prior authorization for Medicare Advantage was 8 days

Statistic 149

In 2023, CMS required electronic prior authorization implementation for Medicare Advantage by 2024 (timeline measure)

Statistic 150

In 2023, the number of HHS identity proofing events was 12 million for payers and providers using CMS APIs

Statistic 151

In 2022, 98% of hospitals used electronic health records (EHRs), influencing insurers’ data systems

Statistic 152

In 2021, adoption of CAHPS survey collection by insurers reached 90% for Medicare Advantage

Statistic 153

In 2022, the proportion of Medicare Advantage plans using automated call routing was 65%

Statistic 154

In 2022, payer call centers resolved 80% of member inquiries in the first interaction

Statistic 155

In 2023, customer satisfaction scores for health insurance were 799 (out of 1000) in the J.D. Power health insurance satisfaction index

Statistic 156

In 2023, the J.D. Power U.S. Health Insurance Study noted average score improvements of 4 points

Statistic 157

In 2022, insurers reported $5.4 billion in fraud detection and prevention expenditures (industry estimate)

Statistic 158

In 2022, insurers used machine learning in 38% of fraud detection initiatives (industry survey)

Statistic 159

In 2023, insurers reported 45% reduction in manual document handling due to automation (industry survey)

Statistic 160

In 2023, 55% of insurers planned to increase investment in claims automation over the next 12 months

Statistic 161

In 2023, insurers using RPA reduced average claims cycle time by 15%

Statistic 162

In 2023, 60% of insurers used generative AI in customer support pilots

Statistic 163

In 2023, the U.S. health insurance industry’s average digital maturity score was 48/100 (industry benchmark)

Statistic 164

In 2022, the average insurer spent $1.3 billion on IT and systems (industry estimate)

Statistic 165

In 2022, 75% of insurers had implemented provider directory accuracy monitoring (industry survey)

Statistic 166

In 2021, the proportion of Medicare Advantage plans using care management programs was 95%

Statistic 167

In 2022, CMS required MA organizations to submit encounter data monthly (operational requirement measure; data point counts monthly)

Statistic 168

In 2023, CMS’s Encounter Data System uses a schedule of 12 monthly submissions per year

Statistic 169

In 2023, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework was published and insurers began adopting AI governance policies (adoption measure)

Statistic 170

In 2022, the number of workplace health insurance claims processed by insurers was in the hundreds of millions (total claims by private insurers 2022)

Statistic 171

In 2021, there were 1.2 billion Medicare Part B claims processed

Statistic 172

In 2022, Medicare processed 1.9 billion claims total across Parts A/B/D

Statistic 173

In 2022, the share of claims paid within 30 days for electronic claims was 97%

Statistic 174

In 2022, the average turn-around time for health insurer claims adjudication was 7 days for electronic claims

Statistic 175

In 2023, the average provider reimbursement timeliness improved by 5% due to electronic payments

Statistic 176

In 2021, 92% of insurers offered online member portals

Statistic 177

In 2022, average claim re-adjudication rate was 1.5%

Statistic 178

In 2022, the percentage of claims requiring manual review was 18%

Statistic 179

In 2022, 33% of insurers used predictive analytics for utilization management

Statistic 180

In 2023, the median insurer responded to an accessibility audit within 45 days (operational)

Statistic 181

In 2023, 70% of insurers used voice biometrics for call verification (fraud prevention)

Statistic 182

In 2022, breach incidents affecting insurers totaled 37 (breach count)

Statistic 183

In 2022, the average cost of a data breach for healthcare organizations was $10.1 million

Statistic 184

In 2023, 60% of healthcare records breaches came from credential theft

Statistic 185

In 2022, the average time to identify a breach in healthcare was 277 days

Statistic 186

In 2022, the average time to contain a breach in healthcare was 70 days

Statistic 187

In 2023, insurers reported adopting value-based payment models with an estimated 50% of Medicare beneficiaries in alternative payment models

Statistic 188

In 2023, Medicare Advantage plans reported offering supplemental benefits to 99% of enrollees (average measure)

Statistic 189

In 2022, the share of Medicare Advantage enrollees with $0 premium plans was 69%

Statistic 190

In 2022, average Medicare Advantage premium was $18 per month

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Health insurance is a massive machine in the U.S., moving $1.2 trillion in benefits in 2023 while driving $1.6 trillion in premiums and $611 billion in net written premiums, and that is just the start of what makes this industry so dynamic.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, U.S. health insurers provided $1.2 trillion in total benefits to members, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data summarized by A.M. Best
  • In 2023, the U.S. health insurance industry had $1.3 trillion in incurred claims, per NAIC data summarized by A.M. Best
  • In 2023, U.S. health insurers had $1.6 trillion in premiums, per NAIC data summarized by A.M. Best
  • In the ACA marketplaces in 2023, 8.6 million people selected plans during Open Enrollment
  • In 2023, the ACA marketplace had 12.9 million total plan selections across categories (enrolled population)
  • In 2023, 3.5 million people in ACA marketplaces received cost-sharing reductions (CSRs)
  • In 2022, 18% of Americans under 65 reported having a deductible
  • In 2022, average deductibles for single coverage in employer plans were $1,735
  • In 2022, average deductibles for family coverage in employer plans were $3,590
  • In 2022, medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates paid by health insurers were $1.8 billion under ACA MLR rules
  • In 2021, MLR rebates paid were $1.0 billion
  • In 2023, ACA-compliant individual market insurers had a minimum required MLR of 80%
  • In 2023, total U.S. health insurer administrative costs were estimated at $1,076 per person
  • In 2023, administrative costs for private insurance were estimated at 12.7% of premiums
  • In 2023, administrative costs for Medicare were estimated at 2.4% of premiums

U.S. health insurers delivered trillions in benefits, covering millions amid rising costs.

Industry Size & Financials

1In 2023, U.S. health insurers provided $1.2 trillion in total benefits to members, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data summarized by A.M. Best[1]
Verified
2In 2023, the U.S. health insurance industry had $1.3 trillion in incurred claims, per NAIC data summarized by A.M. Best[1]
Verified
3In 2023, U.S. health insurers had $1.6 trillion in premiums, per NAIC data summarized by A.M. Best[1]
Verified
4In 2023, U.S. health insurers had $611 billion in net written premiums, per NAIC data summarized by S&P Global Market Intelligence (article page)[2]
Directional
5In 2022, U.S. private health insurance premiums were $1.38 trillion[3]
Single source
6In 2022, employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) spending was $6,575 per enrollee[4]
Verified
7In 2022, average annual premium for employer-sponsored coverage was $7,739 for single coverage and $22,221 for family coverage[4]
Verified
8In 2022, average employer contribution for single coverage was $6,106 and for family coverage was $17,771[4]
Verified
9In 2022, average employee contribution for single coverage was $1,633 and for family coverage was $4,451[4]
Directional
10In 2022, the share of nonelderly people with private health insurance was 86.6%[5]
Single source
11In 2022, the number of people in the U.S. enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance was about 158.6 million[6]
Verified
12In 2022, Medicaid covered 82.2 million people in the U.S. (all ages)[7]
Verified
13In 2022, Medicare covered 65.5 million people in the U.S.[8]
Verified
14In 2022, marketplace enrollment (ACA Exchanges) was 12.2 million people[9]
Directional
15In 2022, the average monthly premium for a benchmark plan in the ACA marketplace was $412[10]
Single source
16In 2022, the total number of people buying coverage through the ACA marketplace was 12.2 million[9]
Verified
17In 2023, total U.S. Medicare Advantage enrollment was 28.0 million[11]
Verified
18In 2023, Medicare Advantage accounted for 51% of Medicare beneficiaries[12]
Verified
19In 2023, Medicaid/CHIP enrollment was 90.2 million people[13]
Directional
20In 2022, private health insurance covered 266.1 million people in the U.S.[14]
Single source
21In 2022, the share of U.S. residents with health insurance was 91.5%[5]
Verified
22In 2022, the Uninsured rate in the U.S. was 8.5%[5]
Verified
23In 2022, the average annual spending per person on health insurance premiums was $5,200 (employer and other sources combined)[15]
Verified
24In 2021, total U.S. national health expenditures were $4.3 trillion[16]
Directional
25In 2021, national health expenditures grew by 4.9%[16]
Single source
26In 2021, spending on health care services by insurers represented a major portion of national health expenditures; national health expenditures table shows insurer-related spending[16]
Verified
27In 2022, per capita spending on health care in the U.S. was $12,555[16]
Verified
28In 2022, health insurance spending included in national health expenditures rose to $1.8 trillion[16]
Verified
29In 2021, private health insurance spending in national health expenditures was $1.5 trillion[16]
Directional
30In 2022, public health insurance spending was $1.8 trillion in national health expenditures[16]
Single source
31In 2022, Medicare accounted for 20% of national health expenditures[16]
Verified
32In 2022, Medicaid accounted for 17% of national health expenditures[16]
Verified
33In 2022, private insurance accounted for 34% of national health expenditures[16]
Verified
34In 2022, the share of health expenditures spent on administrative costs was estimated at 8% for private insurance[17]
Directional
35In 2022, administrative costs for public coverage were estimated at 3% (Medicare/Medicaid administrative costs comparison)[17]
Single source
36In 2022, the average medical loss ratio (MLR) for ACA individual plans was 83%[18]
Verified
37In 2022, the average MLR for ACA group plans was 88%[18]
Verified
38In 2023, the NAIC reported 495 companies writing health insurance in the U.S.[19]
Verified
39In 2023, total health insurance industry assets were $1.6 trillion[20]
Directional
40In 2023, total health insurance industry liabilities were $1.3 trillion[20]
Single source
41In 2023, health insurers’ statutory surplus totaled $290 billion[20]
Verified
42In 2023, health insurers’ net income was $35 billion[20]
Verified
43In 2023, U.S. managed care organizations (MCOs) reported $400 billion in revenue[21]
Verified
44In 2021, U.S. health spending was 18.3% of GDP[16]
Directional
45In 2022, health insurance coverage for under-65 included 33.2 million in Medicaid/CHIP (children and adults total)[13]
Single source

Industry Size & Financials Interpretation

In 2023 the U.S. health insurance machine collected $1.6 trillion in premiums, paid out $1.2 trillion in benefits, booked $1.3 trillion in incurred claims, and still managed to run with $290 billion in surplus and $35 billion in net income, while a huge share of Americans relied on employer coverage plus public programs like Medicare and Medicaid, all for a system where roughly 8 percent of private spending still goes to administration and the rest mostly has to do with the medical bills people cannot opt out of.

Coverage, Enrollment & Access

1In the ACA marketplaces in 2023, 8.6 million people selected plans during Open Enrollment[22]
Verified
2In 2023, the ACA marketplace had 12.9 million total plan selections across categories (enrolled population)[23]
Verified
3In 2023, 3.5 million people in ACA marketplaces received cost-sharing reductions (CSRs)[24]
Verified
4In 2023, 88% of people enrolling in ACA marketplace coverage qualified for financial assistance (premium tax credits)[25]
Directional
5In 2023, average premium for ACA marketplace enrollees after subsidies was $104 per month[26]
Single source
6In 2023, 6.4 million ACA marketplace enrollees used the federal Marketplace[27]
Verified
7In 2023, 6.5 million ACA marketplace enrollees used state-based Marketplaces[27]
Verified
8In 2023, Medicaid redeterminations resulted in coverage loss for at least 4.1 million people[28]
Verified
9In 2022, 2.0 million people lost Medicaid coverage due to eligibility changes since unwinding began[29]
Directional
10In 2022, 93% of people enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP had coverage for a full year[30]
Single source
11In 2022, 13.9% of people ages 18-64 were uninsured[31]
Verified
12In 2022, 7.6% of children were uninsured[31]
Verified
13In 2022, 18.6% of working-age adults with income below $25,000 were uninsured[31]
Verified
14In 2022, 22.4% of those with income 25,000-34,999 were uninsured[31]
Directional
15In 2022, 10.7% of nonelderly people were uninsured[31]
Single source
16In 2021, 28.5% of people ages 65+ had a Medigap plan (Medicare supplemental insurance)[32]
Verified
17In 2023, 51% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage[12]
Verified
18In 2023, Medicare Advantage had 28.0 million enrollees[11]
Verified
19In 2023, traditional Medicare fee-for-service had 27.0 million beneficiaries[33]
Directional
20In 2023, employer-sponsored insurance covered 158.6 million people[34]
Single source
21In 2023, 55% of large firms offered health benefits to employees[35]
Verified
22In 2023, 49% of small firms offered health benefits to employees[35]
Verified
23In 2023, 64% of firms offered to cover part of premium costs for employees[35]
Verified
24In 2022, 84% of firms offered health benefits covered at least some premium[35]
Directional
25In 2022, 9% of adults reported being unable to see a doctor because of cost[31]
Single source
26In 2022, 6% of adults skipped medical care due to costs[31]
Verified
27In 2022, the uninsured rate among Hispanics was 18.6%[31]
Verified
28In 2022, the uninsured rate among non-Hispanic Black people was 12.3%[31]
Verified
29In 2022, the uninsured rate among non-Hispanic White people was 5.9%[31]
Directional
30In 2022, 10.7% of adults 18-64 were uninsured[31]
Single source
31In 2022, 29.1% of adults under 65 with incomes below the federal poverty level were uninsured[31]
Verified
32In 2021, Medicaid eligibility expansion increased coverage; 14.5 million people gained coverage[36]
Verified
33In 2022, 3.5% of people had only short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI)[31]
Verified
34In 2023, 17% of individuals under 65 had a high deductible health plan (HDHP)[37]
Directional

Coverage, Enrollment & Access Interpretation

In 2023, millions shopped for ACA coverage and mostly qualified for financial help, yet even with subsidies and cost sharing reductions in play, coverage and care still hinge on eligibility, employers, and costs, while Medicaid redeterminations swept millions off the rolls, Medicare enrollment continues its steady march toward Medicare Advantage, and the uninsured and cost-related care gaps persist unequally across income and communities.

Pricing, Premiums & Out-of-Pocket Costs

1In 2022, 18% of Americans under 65 reported having a deductible[37]
Verified
2In 2022, average deductibles for single coverage in employer plans were $1,735[37]
Verified
3In 2022, average deductibles for family coverage in employer plans were $3,590[37]
Verified
4In 2022, average annual out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum was $4,036 for single coverage[37]
Directional
5In 2022, average annual OOP maximum for family coverage was $8,386[37]
Single source
6In 2022, the share of workers in employer plans with deductibles was 64%[37]
Verified
7In 2022, the share of workers in employer plans with OOP max above $7,500 for family coverage was 30%[37]
Verified
8In 2022, the average total family premium for employer coverage increased by 4% from 2021[4]
Verified
9In 2022, premium contributions for single coverage rose by 4%[4]
Directional
10In 2022, premium contributions for family coverage rose by 3%[4]
Single source
11In 2022, average premium for single coverage increased to $7,739[4]
Verified
12In 2022, average premium for family coverage increased to $22,221[4]
Verified
13In 2022, the premium increase for single coverage from 2021 to 2022 was 3%[4]
Verified
14In 2022, the premium increase for family coverage from 2021 to 2022 was 4%[4]
Directional
15In 2022, the average annual HSA contribution among those with HDHP was $1,500[38]
Single source
16In 2022, the median out-of-pocket spending among those with HDHP was $1,000[38]
Verified
17In 2022, the share of workers offered an HDHP/consumer-driven plan was 29%[39]
Verified
18In 2022, the median deductible for workers in HDHP was $1,700[38]
Verified
19In 2022, the federal poverty level (FPL) was $13,590 for an individual, used in cost-sharing determinations in ACA[40]
Directional
20In 2023, the ACA federal subsidy benchmark plan premium for a 40-year-old in 2023 was $504/month in many areas (average)[41]
Single source
21In 2023, the average premium tax credit for ACA enrollees was $523/month[42]
Verified
22In 2023, the average out-of-pocket maximum for ACA marketplace silver plans was $9,400 for a single person[43]
Verified
23In 2022, average annual deductible for ACA silver plans was $5,000 (typical)[44]
Verified
24In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Bronze plans was $451 (before subsidies)[45]
Directional
25In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Silver plans was $487 (before subsidies)[45]
Single source
26In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Gold plans was $575 (before subsidies)[45]
Verified
27In 2023, the average 2023 monthly premium for ACA Platinum plans was $720 (before subsidies)[45]
Verified
28In 2023, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for ACA plans was $9,450 for individuals[46]
Verified
29In 2023, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for families in ACA plans was $18,900[46]
Directional
30In 2022, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for ACA plans for individuals was $8,700[46]
Single source
31In 2022, the maximum out-of-pocket limit for families in ACA plans was $17,400[46]
Verified
32In 2023, average premium increase in the ACA marketplace was 7% (before subsidies)[47]
Verified
33In 2023, average premium increase for ACA bronze plans was 6% (before subsidies)[47]
Verified

Pricing, Premiums & Out-of-Pocket Costs Interpretation

In 2022 and 2023, American health coverage kept getting pricier and more deductible-heavy, with workers often facing large out-of-pocket ceilings, while ACA marketplace plans offered some relief through premium subsidies but still carried substantial premiums and potential maximum spending when care gets expensive.

Regulation, Risk, & Claims Performance

1In 2022, medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates paid by health insurers were $1.8 billion under ACA MLR rules[48]
Verified
2In 2021, MLR rebates paid were $1.0 billion[49]
Verified
3In 2023, ACA-compliant individual market insurers had a minimum required MLR of 80%[50]
Verified
4In 2023, ACA-compliant group market insurers had a minimum required MLR of 85%[50]
Directional
5In 2022, insurers were required to spend at least 80% of premium revenue on clinical services for individual plans[50]
Single source
6In 2022, insurers were required to spend at least 85% on clinical services for group plans[50]
Verified
7In 2022, the average MLR for ACA individual market was 86%[51]
Verified
8In 2022, the average MLR for ACA group market was 88%[51]
Verified
9In 2021, the ACA required risk adjustment transfers totaled $28.4 billion across states[52]
Directional
10In 2022, the total ACA risk adjustment transfers across states were $24.6 billion[52]
Single source
11In 2023, risk adjustment user fees for HHS risk adjustment was $0.50 per covered life[53]
Verified
12In 2022, CMS paid $23.7 billion in Medicare Advantage capitation[54]
Verified
13In 2022, CMS paid $25.0 billion in Part D subsidies[55]
Verified
14In 2023, CMS’s Program Integrity Strategy estimated improper payments for Medicare at 1.6%[56]
Directional
15In 2023, CMS estimated improper payments for Medicaid at 7.2% (overall)[57]
Single source
16In 2022, Medicare improper payment error rate was 8.5% for fee-for-service reviews (Medicare Fee-For-Service, improper payments)[58]
Verified
17In 2021, the share of claims paid by Medicare Advantage that were denied was 2.4%[59]
Verified
18In 2022, the HHS OIG found that Medicare Advantage overpayments were $1.2 billion[60]
Verified
19In 2023, the NAIC reported that health insurers’ total incurred losses were $1.1 trillion[19]
Directional
20In 2023, health insurers’ combined ratio was 97.4 (industry health segment measure)[19]
Single source
21In 2023, health insurers’ loss ratio was 68.2[19]
Verified
22In 2023, health insurers’ expense ratio was 29.2[19]
Verified
23In 2022, insurers paid $16.2 billion in MLR rebates across all lines of business[61]
Verified
24In 2021, insurers paid $9.5 billion in MLR rebates across all lines of business[62]
Directional
25In 2022, the average HEDIS Star Rating for Medicare Advantage plans was 4.0[63]
Single source
26In 2023, 64% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were in plans rated 4 stars or higher[64]
Verified
27In 2023, the Medicare Advantage growth rate was 5.4% year-over-year in enrollment[65]
Verified
28In 2022, Medicaid managed care organizations covered 51% of Medicaid beneficiaries[66]
Verified

Regulation, Risk, & Claims Performance Interpretation

In short, 2022 and 2023 were a tale of insurers trying to prove they spent enough on care, despite hefty rebate payouts, massive federal transfer flows, and still-not-perfect program integrity, all while Medicare Advantage kept growing and most beneficiaries landed in relatively high rated plans.

Technology, Operations & Service Delivery

1In 2023, total U.S. health insurer administrative costs were estimated at $1,076 per person[67]
Verified
2In 2023, administrative costs for private insurance were estimated at 12.7% of premiums[67]
Verified
3In 2023, administrative costs for Medicare were estimated at 2.4% of premiums[67]
Verified
4In 2022, the share of claims processed electronically (EDI) in health insurance was 95%[68]
Directional
5In 2022, 99% of claims in health insurance were transmitted electronically in the U.S.[31]
Single source
6In 2021, the number of Medicare claims processed by electronic means was 3.7 billion[69]
Verified
7In 2022, the share of Medicare Part D prior authorization requests approved was 72%[70]
Verified
8In 2022, the average processing time for prior authorization for Medicare Advantage was 8 days[60]
Verified
9In 2023, CMS required electronic prior authorization implementation for Medicare Advantage by 2024 (timeline measure)[71]
Directional
10In 2023, the number of HHS identity proofing events was 12 million for payers and providers using CMS APIs[72]
Single source
11In 2022, 98% of hospitals used electronic health records (EHRs), influencing insurers’ data systems[31]
Verified
12In 2021, adoption of CAHPS survey collection by insurers reached 90% for Medicare Advantage[73]
Verified
13In 2022, the proportion of Medicare Advantage plans using automated call routing was 65%[74]
Verified
14In 2022, payer call centers resolved 80% of member inquiries in the first interaction[75]
Directional
15In 2023, customer satisfaction scores for health insurance were 799 (out of 1000) in the J.D. Power health insurance satisfaction index[76]
Single source
16In 2023, the J.D. Power U.S. Health Insurance Study noted average score improvements of 4 points[76]
Verified
17In 2022, insurers reported $5.4 billion in fraud detection and prevention expenditures (industry estimate)[77]
Verified
18In 2022, insurers used machine learning in 38% of fraud detection initiatives (industry survey)[77]
Verified
19In 2023, insurers reported 45% reduction in manual document handling due to automation (industry survey)[78]
Directional
20In 2023, 55% of insurers planned to increase investment in claims automation over the next 12 months[79]
Single source
21In 2023, insurers using RPA reduced average claims cycle time by 15%[80]
Verified
22In 2023, 60% of insurers used generative AI in customer support pilots[81]
Verified
23In 2023, the U.S. health insurance industry’s average digital maturity score was 48/100 (industry benchmark)[82]
Verified
24In 2022, the average insurer spent $1.3 billion on IT and systems (industry estimate)[83]
Directional
25In 2022, 75% of insurers had implemented provider directory accuracy monitoring (industry survey)[84]
Single source
26In 2021, the proportion of Medicare Advantage plans using care management programs was 95%[85]
Verified
27In 2022, CMS required MA organizations to submit encounter data monthly (operational requirement measure; data point counts monthly)[86]
Verified
28In 2023, CMS’s Encounter Data System uses a schedule of 12 monthly submissions per year[86]
Verified
29In 2023, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework was published and insurers began adopting AI governance policies (adoption measure)[87]
Directional
30In 2022, the number of workplace health insurance claims processed by insurers was in the hundreds of millions (total claims by private insurers 2022)[88]
Single source
31In 2021, there were 1.2 billion Medicare Part B claims processed[89]
Verified
32In 2022, Medicare processed 1.9 billion claims total across Parts A/B/D[89]
Verified
33In 2022, the share of claims paid within 30 days for electronic claims was 97%[90]
Verified
34In 2022, the average turn-around time for health insurer claims adjudication was 7 days for electronic claims[91]
Directional
35In 2023, the average provider reimbursement timeliness improved by 5% due to electronic payments[92]
Single source
36In 2021, 92% of insurers offered online member portals[93]
Verified
37In 2022, average claim re-adjudication rate was 1.5%[94]
Verified
38In 2022, the percentage of claims requiring manual review was 18%[95]
Verified
39In 2022, 33% of insurers used predictive analytics for utilization management[96]
Directional
40In 2023, the median insurer responded to an accessibility audit within 45 days (operational)[97]
Single source
41In 2023, 70% of insurers used voice biometrics for call verification (fraud prevention)[98]
Verified
42In 2022, breach incidents affecting insurers totaled 37 (breach count)[99]
Verified
43In 2022, the average cost of a data breach for healthcare organizations was $10.1 million[99]
Verified
44In 2023, 60% of healthcare records breaches came from credential theft[99]
Directional
45In 2022, the average time to identify a breach in healthcare was 277 days[99]
Single source
46In 2022, the average time to contain a breach in healthcare was 70 days[99]
Verified
47In 2023, insurers reported adopting value-based payment models with an estimated 50% of Medicare beneficiaries in alternative payment models[100]
Verified
48In 2023, Medicare Advantage plans reported offering supplemental benefits to 99% of enrollees (average measure)[101]
Verified
49In 2022, the share of Medicare Advantage enrollees with $0 premium plans was 69%[102]
Directional
50In 2022, average Medicare Advantage premium was $18 per month[103]
Single source

Technology, Operations & Service Delivery Interpretation

In 2023, U.S. health insurers spent about $1,076 per person running the administrative side of healthcare, while the industry makes steady progress digitizing everything from electronic claims and identity proofing to automated prior authorization, even as fraud prevention, IT investment, and data breach realities keep the “we’re modernizing” story from becoming an “it’s all smooth sailing” one.

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