Gender Gap: Working Women Outspend Men by $15.4 Billion in Health Expenses

Working women in the U.S. spend $15.4 billion more than men on out-of-pocket health expenses annually, according to a study by Deloitte Consulting. The analysis of employer-sponsored health plans found that women spend 18% more than men on copays and deductibles, excluding pregnancy and maternity costs. Despite women's total health expenditures being only 10% higher than men's, the study highlights the disproportionate financial burden faced by women. Deloitte suggests that employers could close the gender gap in cost-sharing through enhanced benefits design, at an estimated cost of $133 per employee per year.