Medicaid covers majority of U.S. gun injury hospital costs
Medicaid billed for 52% of U.S. hospital costs from gun injuries: $7.7B over 5 years.
Why it matters
- Gun injuries cost U.S. hospitals $7.7B from 2016-2021.
- Medicaid covers 52%, leaving safety-net hospitals underfunded.
- Recent Medicaid cuts could destabilize trauma care.
By the numbers
- $7.7B: Total hospital costs for gun injuries (2016-2021).
- 52%: Share of costs covered by Medicaid.
- 33%: Increase in annual costs from 2019 to 2021.
The big picture
- Safety-net hospitals absorb most gun injury treatment costs.
- Medicaid under-reimbursement strains hospital finances.
- Gun violence has broad economic impacts on healthcare.
What they're saying
- Study warns Medicaid cuts could close trauma centers.
- Online comments mix humor with policy debates.
Caveats
- Excludes long-term care and indirect costs.
- National estimates based on six states' data.
What’s next
- Advocacy for more trauma center funding.
- Push for injury prevention and safe firearm storage.