U.S. health costs to double in 10 years

[CShine]

U.S. health-care spending will double in the next decade to $3.4 trillion, and out-of-pocket medical expenses will near an all-time high as Americans age and costs for drugs and technology rise, a government study has concluded.

Spending will increase 7.2 percent this year, less than last year's 7.8 percent growth, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said today in its annual study.

That still will be enough to push health care's share of the nation's gross domestic product to 15.5 percent this year from 15.3 percent.

The increases will hit individuals directly as out-of-pocket costs for health care climb to 3.1 percent of disposable personal income in 2013 from about 2.7 percent now, the study found. Those expenses last hit such levels in 1990, when high costs and a recession led some elected officials to call for a national health-care system.

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~11676~1949840,00.html

[rooboy]

1. I suspect America's enemies know this well...

keep the USA spending all its surplus money on defence and it will eventually rot from the inside out. That will bring about victory quicker than weapons would...

[pscot]

2. A break at last!

My medical insurance has doubled in the last five years. I'm glad to hear it's going to slow down.

[philosophie_en_rose]

3. Who is making a profit?

Not consumers, that's for damned sure. Not doctors, who are forced to take lower and lower payments.

It's the HMOs and the drug companies that have a monopoly on our healthcare system.

[CHIMO]

4. Hope That

You can establish a requirement for a person.

Without a consensus all will be divided.

Hillory tried and was washed out. If you want it you will obtain it.