Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care Services in U.S. City Average

CUUS0000SAM2 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

627.51

Year-over-Year Change

18.55%

Date Range

1/1/1984 - 1/1/2025

Summary

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care Services measures the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of medical care services in U.S. cities. This metric is a key indicator of medical care inflation and cost-of-living pressures for households.

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 Medical Care Services CPI tracks the prices of a variety of medical services, including hospital services, professional services, and prescription drugs. It is a crucial statistic for understanding the affordability of healthcare for American consumers and the broader economic impact of medical costs.

Methodology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from thousands of medical care providers to calculate this index on a monthly basis.

Historical Context

Policymakers and economists closely monitor the Medical Care Services CPI to assess the state of medical inflation and its implications for household budgets and the overall economy.

Key Facts

  • The Medical Care Services CPI has increased by over 40% in the past decade.
  • Medical care services account for nearly 8% of the total consumer price index basket.
  • Rising medical costs put pressure on household budgets and government healthcare programs.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Medical Care Services CPI measures the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of medical care services in U.S. cities, including hospital services, professional services, and prescription drugs.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric is a crucial indicator of medical care inflation and the affordability of healthcare for American consumers, with implications for household budgets and the broader economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from thousands of medical care providers to calculate this index on a monthly basis.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor the Medical Care Services CPI to assess the state of medical inflation and its impact on household finances and the overall economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The Medical Care Services CPI is published monthly with a brief delay, providing timely information on the changing costs of medical services.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Medical Care Services in U.S. City Average (CUUS0000SAM2), retrieved from FRED.