Data released by CMS February 26 indicates that health care spending growth will continue to exceed overall economic growth and general inflation rates for the next decade. Growth in U.S. health care spending is projected to be 6.7% percent in 2007, and average annual growth is expected to remain near that rate through 2017. Health care spending comprises 16.3% of GDP as of 2007, and is expected to reach 19.5% of GDP by 2017 and total over $4.3 trillion.  Although Medicare spending growth slowed to 6.5% after spiking to 18.7% in 2006 with enactment of the Medicare Part D drug program, Medicare growth is expected to accelerate again, reaching 8.0% by 2017 as baby boomers begin enrolling in the program.