BHC Releases National Health Accounts Data
The Bermuda Health Council has published its latest National Health Accounts [NHA] dataset, providing a “comprehensive overview of health system financing and expenditure through the 2022-23 fiscal year.”
A spokesperson said, “The updated data captures 16 years of financial trends, reflective of how Bermuda’s health system has evolved over time.
“Between FY2007 and FY2023, total health system expenditure increased by 92%, from $426.4 million to $817.6 million, an average annual increase of 5.7%. This increase reflects a combination of factors, including the rising demand for services, the growing complexity of care, and changes in how care is delivered.
“Key observations from the five most recent years [2019 - 2023] include:
- Health system expenditure rose at an average of 2.2% per year.
- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are reflected in a temporary decline in spending in the 2020-21 fiscal period as many non-urgent services were delayed or postponed.
- Local health system expenditure decreased from $287.1 million in 2019–20 to $237.2 in 2020-21, while overseas care expenditures dropped from $103.8 million to $79.2 million during the same period. While these reductions were a direct result of restrictions in place during the pandemic, they also underscored the need for a more resilient system capable of adapting to such shocks.
- As services resumed, health system spending began to rebound in 2021-2022, reaching $817.6 million in 2022-2023.
“The Health Council is committed to supporting the development of creative and cost-effective solutions, from home-based care options to innovative community-based programmes that respond to the diverse needs Bermuda’s population while promoting financial sustainability.
“For more information or to view the data, visit healthcouncil.bm/research-and-reports.”
