The Commonwealth Fund released its 2026 healthcare report card this week, comparing the United States healthcare system to 19 other wealthy nations. The analysis found that Americans spend significantly more on healthcare while achieving poorer health outcomes than most peer countries.

According to the report, the United States spends 18 percent of its economy on healthcare, nearly double the average of comparable nations. Per capita healthcare spending reaches $12,649 annually, approximately 10 times Mexico's expenditure levels. Despite this substantial financial investment, the report indicates the US operates one of the most expensive healthcare systems globally.

Health outcomes data from the study show American life expectancy peaked at 79 years, placing the country more than two years below peer nation averages and third from the bottom of the surveyed group. Only Mexico and Turkey recorded lower life expectancy figures among the developed nations examined.

The report also measured preventable deaths, finding the US recorded the second-worst rate of deaths that proper medical care should have prevented. Mexico was the only country with a higher rate of preventable deaths among the nations studied.

Separately, New York state lawmakers continue efforts to pass the New York Health Act, legislation that has been under consideration since 1992. The proposed act would eliminate private health insurance within New York state, though supporters cite overwhelming public support for universal healthcare coverage. Implementation would potentially affect approximately 50,000 insurance industry jobs in the state.