Inflation fell slightly at the beginning of the pandemic two years ago, though healthcare prices rose slightly as regulators and lawmakers bolstered the nation’s medical system, girding it against COVID-19 through measures like increasing the government’s match rate for Medicaid.
But 2021 was the worst year for inflation since 1982, BLS found. Prices rose sharply for cars, gas and food as high consumer demand met overtaxed supply chains.
