Final answer:
The actual cost of Medicare in 1990 is not specified in the provided materials, and would require further research to determine accurately. Medicare costs have consistently grown since its inception, complicated by factors such as demographic changes, rising healthcare costs, and expanded benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actual cost of Medicare in 1990 is not provided in the question or the reference information, therefore, an accurate figure cannot be given without additional research beyond the scope of the materials provided. However, it is evident from the information that Medicare costs have grown considerably since its establishment in 1965, facing projections of further increases due to demographic trends, rising medical prices, and legislative expansions such as the prescription drug benefits. The Medicare system has experienced significant changes and funding challenges over the years, navigating shifts in demographics, healthcare costs, and political pressures to expand coverage like the prescription drug benefit enacted in 2003.