Spotlighting the Underspending: Public Health Receives Less Funding than Official Estimates Indicate

Abstract

Overview

New research from Systems for Action investigators at Johns Hopkins University analyzed state government expenditure data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau to estimate U.S. public health spending and found that the official government estimate (Public Health Activity Estimate) is an overestimation of how much is spent on public health. This heightens concerns about spending priorities: the U.S. spends far more on individual medical care than public health programs.

The results of this S4A study can inform decision-making about investments in public health to support COVID-19 response and recovery. Read the one-page report for more key findings and recommended action.

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Last updated on 02/21/2023