National health spending surged 7.3% last year to $5.7 trillion, marking the third consecutive year of above-7% growth, according to projections released Wednesday by federal actuaries. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of the Actuary estimates that outlays for medical care will hit nearly $9 trillion by 2034, representing 20.6% of the economy. Health care's share of the overall economy rose to 18.4% in 2025, up from 18% in 2024, as demand for services and high-cost drugs intensified.