Scatter plot comparing healthcare spending per capita and life expectancy in Latin America, Europe, and North America, showing Costa Rica has the highest life expectancy in LatAm | Sources: World Bank, Latinometrics

Latin America spends an average of $645 USD per person on healthcare annually, and the region's average life expectancy is 76 years. Uruguay has the highest spending in the region, and Costa Rica has the region's highest life expectancy at 80. Also worth mentioning is the fact that both Venezuela and Bolivia now have a higher life expectancy than Ukraine and Russia, according to the World Bank.

These numbers contrast with the US, where the average expenditure per capita is almost $11K annually. However, even though the US’s expenditure per capita is 17x more than LatAm’s, its life expectancy is only one year above. Another country that highlights the US's inefficient spending is Canada, where people can expect to live up to 80 while spending less than half. The leading causes of a lower US life expectancy are its higher rates of obesity, smoking, opioid overdoses, accidents, and suicides, compared to other developed nations.

So, how did Costa Rica become LatAm’s leader in life expectancy? Universal healthcare and social security have been a part of society since the 1940s, where its CAJA system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) plays a significant role. Costa Ricans enjoy 100% coverage through CAJA for all medical procedures, appointments, hospital visits, and prescription drugs. The system, mandatory for everyone since 2010, is funded by small monthly contributions from all residents based on income levels.

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