The rising costs of health care pose a formidable challenge for policymakers. Health care already accounts for 16% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and is projected to increase to 25% by 2025. According to the Congressional Budget Office, spending on health care is likely to accelerate because of an aging population, a rising burden of chronic diseases, and higher costs for pharmaceuticals and other treatments. 2,3 Increased spending will only exacerbate current stresses on the economy, employers, government programs, and the public. Many patients are foregoing health care, especially when they encounter higher medical costs
