To the Point
Healthcare Spending Slows, but at What Cost?
For decades, spending on healthcare has jumped each year by more than ten percent. Now it's increasing by four percent. Is that good news or bad?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenFor decades, spending on healthcare has jumped each year by more than ten percent. Now it's increasing by four percent. Is that good news or bad? Are people giving up what they don't really need or delaying necessary treatments, drugs and operations that will cost much more in the future? Also, President Obama asks Congress for the power to shrink government, and more trouble for the Eurozone.
Banner image: People bundle up against the morning chill while waiting more than nine hours overnight to enter a free dental clinic in Brighton, Colorado. Photo by John Moore/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesPresident Asks Congress for Power to Shrink Government
President Obama said today it's time that the federal government was run more like a business. He called on Congress to reinstate the authority held by past presidents "to streamline and reform the Executive Branch," as would a private business owner to "make sure that his or her company keeps pace with the times."
Read the story8 minHealthcare Spending Is on the Decline, but at What Cost?
The good news is that America's historic expansion of healthcare spending has slowed to its lowest rate in 51 years, though that could change fast. The reason for the decline is the recession, which left millions unemployed, uninsured and less able or less willing to pay for doctors, hospitals and drugs.
Read the story36 minEuro Nations to Get Debt Downgrade
The credit rating of Europe's second largest economy, France, was downgraded today by Standard & Poor's. Word is that one more Eurozone nation will be hit with a downgrade before day is over. Peter Coy is Economics Editor for Bloomberg BusinessWeek .
Read the story8 min
