The Boston Globe reports:
Healthcare industry to offer cuts of $2 trillion: Pledge boost goal of system overhaul
WASHINGTON - Volunteering to "do our part" to tackle runaway health costs, leading groups in the healthcare industry have offered to squeeze $2 trillion in savings from projected increases over the next decade, White House officials said yesterday. . . . Representatives from half a dozen health industry trade groups are scheduled to make a formal offer today in a White House meeting with President Obama. . . . The trade groups making the pledge represent a broad spectrum of healthcare interests, including the American Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, America's Health Insurance Plans, and the Service Employees International Union. . . . The groups will have to streamline administrative costs, better coordinate care and bundle payments to achieve the projected savings.
What, the Brooklyn Bridge isn't available for sale anymore?
Gotta love the last line in particular. See discussion below on these very points. We can continue to try to portray health care reform as lowering costs, providing greater access, and maintaining consumer choice, but there is no evidence that all three are possible.
