A report by the Altarum Institute showed the healthcare industry experienced a continued healthcare expenditure slowdown in June, but the trend dates back to a point before the recession.

In June, healthcare expenditures rose by 3.9 percent compared to the same point in 2011, which was a lower rate than the 4.2 percent in May. However, this has been a theme in the industry since 2005, when excess growth was only 0.5 for the two and one-half-year period before the recession started. The previous period of the same length experienced a 1.9 percent excess growth rate.

"Understanding the causal factors behind this downward trend in 2005 - which we know cannot be attributed to the recession - is critical to crafting sustainable fiscal policies for the future," said Charles Roehrig, director of the Altarum Center for Sustainable Health Spending.

A slowdown in healthcare spending could have negative effects on health insurance rates. Those consumers who are looking for a new policy may want to compare health insurance quotes online to find an option that is affordable.