The cost is largely paid by the Government, which has tried to save money by applying managed-care methods to soaring Medicare expenses.

The burden would fall on home care users with the highest Medicare expenses and the worst health status.

The question: "He promised never to cut Medicare expenses, but cast the deciding vote to cut Medicare by $55 billion."

Thus, on a per-enrollee basis, Medicare expenses have grown less quickly than those in the private sector during the years your chart depicts.

"Moreover, our proposal would establish a limit of $2,000 for out-of-pocket Medicare expenses that can presently run into the many thousands."

Mr. Breaux's proposal to reduce Medicare expenses got a far more muted reception than the tax plan.

They could lose Medicaid eligibility at a time when the Medicare expenses that Medicaid used to cover for them are going up.

A significant piece of Medicare expense is the high costs of privatization.

One study showed that reimbursement for the last 180 days of life equaled 21 percent of total Medicare expenses for all patients.

These Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited resources and income pay for their Medicare expenses.