Many critics of health reform have pointed to cost control as its Achilles heel. They maintain that, despite the promises, “bending the curve” of cost increases will prove impossible. Here is a piece by experienced Washington reporter Ron Brownstein, published by The Atlantic, that takes a close look at this issue. Brownstein’s sources say the current bill does just about all it can to achieve cost containment. Rumor in the capital is that President Obama has ordered the White House staff to read Brownstein’s piece.

An excerpt: “The bottom line,” (health policy director for the New America Foundation Len) Nichols says, “is the legislation is sending a signal that business as usual [in the medical system] is going to end.”

A Milestone in the Health Care Journey by Ron Brownstein
The Atlantic, November 21, 2009