Analysis of Healthcare Spending Since 2000

Conversely, Medicare spending grew from $224.8 billion/16.5% to $900.8 billion/21.2%; Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program spending grew from $203.4 billion/14.9% to $756.2 billion/17 8%; and Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare spending grew from $19-1 billion/1.4% to $106 billion/2.5%. The National Healthcare Expenditure data show the health economy is increasingly dependent on government sources for its funding as outof-pocket and private insurance payments shrink. Affordability, price transparency and equitable access to care will be prominent issues in the 2024 election cycle as criticism mounts regarding hospital consolidation and business practices in not-for-profit settings.