Number: RL32545
Title: Health Care Spending: Context and Policy
Authors: Jennifer Jenson, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Health care costs and spending are persistent concerns for the Congress. On one hand, policymakers worry about access to care and the burden of health costs on household and employer budgets. On the other hand, rising costs put growing pressure on the federal budget from Medicare, Medicaid, and tax expenditures for private health insurance. This report seeks to put health spending in context. How much does this nation spend, and is it too much? Why is policy action so difficult? And what types of policies can the Congress pursue in seeking to balance concerns regarding spending and access? This report introduces selected issues and policy strategies, using examples from a variety of federal programs and policies to make ideas more concrete.
Pages: 14
Date: October 2, 2007