Illustrating the potential for disputes, the CBO has frustrated lawmakers who want credit for savings from steps to head off illness, such as expanded anti-smoking programs and cancer screenings. Among the reasons: the agency has said, essentially, that it may be cheaper if people die. Longer lives may mean bigger Social Security payments and higher Medicare costs for people who live long enough to develop other ailments.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Life v. Death, cost of
From Bloomberg on the CBO's analysis of the health care bill:
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Sounds like Christine Romer and Peter Orszag need to talk more. She agrees with Doug Elmendorf, who now holds the job that Orszag held previously.
ReplyDeleteEconomists are getting a justifiable wedgee from these little spats.
Why can't we have a better economist corp?
My guess is that they all talk plenty and there's probably some virtual yelling, too.
ReplyDeleteNotice they don't put Romer out in front of the cameras much. She doesn't seem to take much crap when they do. Saw some critiques of her report last week, but I forget it all now. History intervenes. God, isn't it exciting? Really, now?