Brazil is one of the most lucrative healthcare markets in Latin America. Backed by factors, such as strong government support and high investments, Brazilian healthcare market is growing at a fast pace. Almost all the market players have been trying to bring positive developments in healthcare services through proper implementation of plans and policies.

The report features 2011 current and 2012 forecast estimates on the size of the industry (sales, establishments, employment) nationally and for all 50 U.S. States and over 900 metro areas. New to the report this year are: financial ratios, number of firms and payroll estimates.

In a new plan aimed at offsetting rising Arizona Medicaid costs, the state has proposed that Medicaid recipients who smoke or are overweight should pay a 50 dollar fine. The state hopes that this additional fee will motivate people to make positive changes in lifestyle, as well as provide some much needed revenue for the state's bankrupt Medicaid program.