Out-of-pocket payments are projected to decrease in 2006, while public payments and private health insurance payments are expected to increase.

*Projected by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Note: CMS defines each as follows: Out-of-pocket payments includes direct spending by consumers for all health care goods and services, including coinsurance, deductibles and any amounts not covered by insurance. Private health insurance equals premiums earned by private health insurers, including premiums paid to BCBS, commercial insurance, HMOs, self-insured plans and property/casualty insurance coverage for healthcare. Public payments are payments made by Federal, State and Local governments. Other private funds are funds received through philanthropic support, as well as income from the operation of gift shops, cafeterias, parking lots and educational programs.

Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2006)