Behavioral healthcare made up 40% of all medical spending for U.S. children in 2022 — nearly double the share from 2011 — according to a study published Dec. 15 in JAMA Pediatrics. The findings highlight sharp increases in out-of-pocket costs for families and shifts in how children receive behavioral healthcare.
This cross-sectional study analyzed data on U.S. children ages 6 to 17 using 2011-2022 questionnaire responses from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey’s household component files.
Here are four things to know:
- Expenditures reached $41.8 billion in 2022, with families paying $2.9 billion out-of-pocket.
- Behavioral health out-of-pocket costs increased by 6.4% annually — more than double the 2.7% rate for other medical spending.
- One in 21 U.S. families reported experiencing “extreme financial burden,” defined as spending more than 10% of income on healthcare. Families with a child receiving behavioral healthcare were about 40% more likely to face this burden.
- From 2020 to 2022, outpatient telehealth visits for behavioral health grew 99% annually. In-person outpatient visits rose by 11% annually, and whole home health expenditures increased by 25% annually.
