US Health Companies Pay Out $2.6 Trillion to Shareholders as Medical Costs Soar
2025-02-12
USA TODAY on MSN.com
The total payouts to shareholders of large publicly traded health companies have more than tripled over the past two decades, reaching a staggering $2.6 trillion, according to new research. This significant increase in shareholder payouts coincides with rising medical costs and healthcare expenses, sparking concerns about the allocation of resources within the healthcare industry. As healthcare costs continue to escalate, the trend of hefty payouts to shareholders is likely to face scrutiny, with some arguing that these funds could be better utilized to improve healthcare services and affordability, particularly in the context of the ongoing healthcare reform and medical cost containment efforts.