Cost of Health Care In Alaska

Abstract

Health care in Alaska cost an estimated $1.6 billion in fiscal 1991. That’s 50 percent more than it cost to operate Alaska’s public schools in 1990 ($1 billion). It’s close to what the military spent for its bases and personnel and equipment in Alaska in 1989 ($1.9 billion). It equals one-third of the money on deposit in Alaska banks and credit unions in 1990 ($4.8 billion). It’s nearly half of what Alaskans spent at grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail establishments in 1987 ($3.6 billion). This Research Summary details fiscal 1991 health care spending in Alaska. It also looks at why health care costs have escalated and how spending in Alaska compares with the national average. We define health care spending to include all spending for personal care, program administration, and public health programs. We did not estimate spending for construction of health facilities and for medical research. The information presented here was developed by Alexandra Hill and Scott Goldsmith of ISER and the state’s Health Resources and Access Task Force.