Yes, Health Reform Strengthens Medicare and Reduces the Deficit

Like a zombie, the spurious charges of “double-counting” savings in health reform just won’t die.  Although I’ve debunked these allegations before, I respond at greater length today on the Health Affairs blog.

Here’s the bottom line:  Medicare is a part of the federal budget.  Therefore, spending cuts or tax increases that reduce projected deficits in Medicare also help reduce projected deficits in the overall budget.  It’s as simple as that.  Contrary to critics’ claims, no “double-counting” is involved.