Posted on 09/23/2009 7:25:42 PM PDT by richardb72
A number frequently tossed around is that a 1/6th of our nation's income is spent on health care. That number comes from $2.2 trillion in reported health care spending out of an almost $14 trillion economy. The President cites those statistics as evidence that the government needs to step in and keep health care spending under control. Yet, there are problems with both claims: The health care costs used in the debate have been inflated by double counting and further distorted by price controls, and the recent growth in US health care expenditures has actually been less than in countries where the government pays for most health care.
First, take the double counting. The $2.2 trillion number includes not only the direct spending by insurance companies, individuals, and the government on health care, but it also includes the spending on buildings and medical equipment for doctors and hospitals. As should be obvious, you can't count both the money paid by patients for using an MRI and then also count the money that the hospital pays for the MRI. After all, payments for MRI scans typically cover the costs for purchasing the machinery. . . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
The logic just keeps rolling out from writers on the Right today, Morrissey, Morris and now Fox.
I hope the MSM picks up on a least a little bit of this.
I’m certain all those lib reporters would despise being covered under this new government plan. Even congress opted themselves out.
That’s what happens when you have an Executive (Prez) who never had executive experience. Chicago-Springfield experience teaches prevarication. Past behavior has certainly predicted future (now current) behavior.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.