Story perspectives

Nearly Half of U.S. Hospitals Dominated by Few Systems

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2024, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis finds that 47% of U.S. metropolitan areas have inpatient hospital markets controlled by one or two health systems.
The same analysis notes that 83% of areas have over three-quarters of their markets dominated by few systems.
Since 2010, 80% of hospitals are affiliated with larger systems.
Policymakers are addressing provider consolidation, which has been linked to higher Medicare spending and commercial prices.

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Story summary

In 2024, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis finds that 47% of U.S. metropolitan areas have inpatient hospital markets controlled by one or two health systems.
The same analysis notes that 83% of areas have over three-quarters of their markets dominated by few systems.
Since 2010, 80% of hospitals are affiliated with larger systems.
Policymakers are addressing provider consolidation, which has been linked to higher Medicare spending and commercial prices.