Number: RS22619
Title: Health Care Spending and the Aging of the Population
Authors: Jennifer Jenson, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Growth in spending for health care is of particular concern to policymakers because Medicare and Medicaid already account for about 21% of federal spending. As the population ages, a growing share of Americans will receive health care under these programs, putting increasing pressure on the federal budget. Unchecked, this pressure is likely to affect public spending for other priorities, and also may affect economic growth.
Pages: 6
Date: March 13, 2007