Inflation - Medical care and all items, Oct 2021-Oct 2024

The consumer price index (CPI) is probably the best-known inflation indicator. It tracks changes in the cost of what is called a “market basket” of goods and services, which include food, energy, shelter, clothing, medical care, and transportation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics issues the index, as well as price changes for individual components, nationally and by region monthly.

After growing more slowly than overall inflation from 2021 to 2023, the cost of medical care grew by more than 6 percent from 2023 to 2024. Insurers for small group and individual plans offered on the ACA exchange will impose increases of 11 percent to 23 percent in 2025.