Health expenditures in Texas during 1989 and 1990

To monitor the growth of the health-care sector in Texas, we made annual estimates of aggregate health spending in 1989 and 1990 and compared them with estimates from prior years and with national trends. Expenditures are grouped by total spending, spending by the state government, and distribution of payment. To achieve data that could be compared with national figures, we followed the methods used by the federal government to estimate national health spending. Results indicate a return to the rapid rates of growth experienced in the early 1980s. Possible explanations for some major trends in spending and in sources of payment are provided. Basic features of recent efforts to contain costs are addressed and related to the trends.