Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care in U.S. City Average
CUUS0000SAM • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
576.03
Year-over-Year Change
16.86%
Date Range
1/1/1984 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Medical Care in U.S. City Average measures the change in prices for medical goods and services purchased by urban consumers. It is a key indicator of healthcare inflation and a critical statistic for policymakers and economists.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The CPI for Medical Care tracks the prices of a representative basket of medical commodities and services, including prescription drugs, medical equipment, physician and hospital services, and health insurance. It is a widely-used measure of medical cost pressures and a crucial input for government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Methodology
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from a sample of medical providers and facilities to calculate this index.
Historical Context
The Medical Care CPI is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess overall healthcare inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
Key Facts
- The Medical Care CPI has risen faster than overall inflation for decades.
- Medical costs make up nearly 20% of total consumer spending in the U.S.
- Rapid medical inflation impacts government budgets and household finances.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Consumer Price Index for Medical Care tracks the change in prices for a representative basket of medical goods and services purchased by urban consumers in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The Medical Care CPI is a critical indicator of healthcare inflation and cost pressures, which impacts government programs, businesses, and household budgets.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from a sample of medical providers and facilities to calculate this index.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The Medical Care CPI is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers to assess overall healthcare inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Medical Care CPI is published monthly with a typical release lag of 2-3 weeks.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care in U.S. City Average (CUUS0000SAM), retrieved from FRED.