In addition to funding the care of individual citizens, governments are involved in organizing and delivering publicly provided health services such as epidemiological surveillance, inoculations, immunization/vaccination services, disease prevention programs, the operation of public health laboratories, and other such functions. In the NHEA, spending for these activities is reported in government public health activity. Funding for health research and government purchases of medical structures and equipment are reported in their respective categories. Government spending for public works, environmental functions (air and water pollution abatement, sanitation and sewage treatment, water supplies, and so on), emergency planning and other such functions are not included.
Most Federal government public health activity emanates from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control account for an overwhelming majority of Federal spending in the area. Since the 9/11 catastrophe, substantial public health funding has come from two other sources: The Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, a part of the HHS Departmental Management Budget, and the Department of Homeland Security.
State and local government public health activity expenditures are primarily for the operation of State and local health departments. Federal payments to State and local governments are deducted to avoid double counting, as are expenditures made through the Maternal and Child Health Program and the Crippled Children's Program. State and local government departments for environmental functions (water and sewer authorities, for example) are not included.
Source Data: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services