On December 14, the White House Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) released a report on Congress’ current health care reform legislation (HR 3590 and HR 3962), finding that both bills would slow health care cost growth over the long-term.  The report found that, after initial health care spending increases associated with the bill’s’ expanded coverage, the Senate’s bill (HR 3590) would slow the rate of health care cost growth by 1 percent annually and lower health care spending by 0.5 percent.  The report also notes that, under the Senate bill, GDP will increase 4 percent by 2030 as health care spending falls and average family income will rise by roughly $6,800.

Full report:  The Economic Case for Health Reform: Update (PDF | 261.15 KB)

Executive Office of the President Council of Economic Advisors. (2009). The economic case for health reform: update.