Final answer:
Healthcare expenditures as a percentage of GDP have been increasing and are projected to continue to do so, mainly due to the rising costs of programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total healthcare expenditures as a percent of GDP have seen an increase since the 1960s. According to the data, these expenditures have grown as part of the federal spending alongside Social Security, despite the fluctuating levels of spending on national defense. Specifically, the portion of federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid, which are significant components of healthcare expenditures, is projected to rise significantly. The spending on Medicare is expected to grow from 3 percent of GDP in 2009 to 8 percent by 2030, and potentially up to 15 percent by 2080.
It's important to note that these projections are influenced by various factors, including the aging of the Baby Boom cohort, which impacts the demand for healthcare services. Since 1960, the share of GDP attributed to federal spending has been largely within 18% to 22%. The share for healthcare, which encompasses both Medicare and Medicaid, has been on a steady incline within this range.