Taxpayers Paid Billions Treating Gunshot Wounds, Study Estimates

Key Takeaways

Medicaid pays most of the cost for America's gunshot injuries

Treatment of gun wounds cost U.S. hospitals an estimated $7.7 billion between 2016 and 2021

Hospitals billed Medicaid for 52% of the cost

THURSDAY, Oct. 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) — American taxpayers have foot the bill for billions of dollars spent treating gunshot wounds, a new study says.

Treatment for firearm injuries cost U.S. hospitals an estimated $7.7 billion between 2016 and 2021, with the largest share falling on urban hospitals that serve the highest proportion of Medicaid patients, researchers report in JAMA Health Forum .

Ultimately, Medicaid covered 52% of the cost of patching up the wounded, researchers said.

“Gun injuries are a source of financial strain on hospitals, particularly large saf