The Health Care Costs of Extreme Heat

Hot summer days have always posed a risk of health complications, but climate change is causing an increase in prolonged periods of extreme heat. With this has come a rise in incidences of heat-related illness, as more Americans experience health complications and need to seek medical care. To better understand the health impacts of extreme heat, the authors of this report used available data from Virginia to derive estimates of the increase in health care utilization—including emergency department visits and hospital admissions—and health care costs associated with extreme heat. See the full report from American Progress here.