Erica Werner, writing for the Associated Press, reports on the growing costs of our health care system:

The recession dramatically slowed U.S. health care spending to $2.3 trillion in 2008, but it still grew much faster than the economy as a whole, accounting for more than 16 percent of the nation’s economic output, says a new federal analysis.

The eye-popping figure of $2.3 trillion — that’s $7,681 per person — underscores the challenges confronting President Barack Obama and lawmakers seeking to overhaul the system. Obama has repeatedly cited spiraling health costs as one of the main reasons Congress needs to pass his health plan, and administration officials said the findings highlighted the need for quick action.

Read her whole story here.