If History is a Guide, There is Potential for Estimates to Understate
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If History is a Guide, There is Potential for Estimates to Understate
Eventual Costs — Medicare Is 10x Higher Than Spending Forecast
Actual vs. Estimated Spending on Medicare
In reality, total
420 spending
increased 61.1x
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1966A 1990E (in 1967) 1990A
Source: Senate Joint Economic Committee Report, 7/31/09
i USA Inc. | Income Statement Drilldown 119
However, More Recent Healthcare Entitlement Such as Medicare
part D Has Cost Less Than Expected
Medicare Part D (the 2006 outpatient drug benefit for seniors) was projected to
cost $111 billion annually.
e In 2009, Medicare Part D’s actual cost = $61 billion, 45% below projection.
e The government originally projected 43 million beneficiaries in 2009, but only 33
million seniors (23% below projection) elected to participate in 2009.
Medicare Part D was outsourced to the private sector, and seniors elected to
enroll in plans operated primarily by managed care organizations, which utilize a
variety of techniques to reduce costs and improve the quality of care.
e The Washington Times stated on August 16" 2010 — "The lower cost - a result of
slowing demand for prescription drugs, higher use of generic drugs and fewer
people signing up - has surprised even some of the law's most pessimistic
critics."
e The Part D experience has given some observers hope that PPACA will not cost
more than anticipated.
KP Source: Morgan Stanley Healthcare Research.
(@E) www.kpcb.com USA Inc. | Income Statement Drilldown 120
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_020901
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