Out-of-Pocket Spending on Health Care by Medicare Beneficiaries Age 65 and Older in 2003

Using data derived from their analyses of the Medicare Benefits Model, v5.306, Craig Caplan and Normandy Brangan project average out-of-pocket health care spending by Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older in 2003. According to their analysis, non-institutionalized age 65+ Medicare beneficiaries spent an average of $3,455, or 22 percent of their income, on health care. Also highlighted in this AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digest are out-of-pocket spending differences by demographic characteristics, income level, supplemental coverage status, and type of service. (8 pages)