Steve Buyer: “Last Thursday's report by the Department of Health and Human Services has now been delivered to all of our offices. In…”

“Last Thursday's report by the Department of Health and Human Services has now been delivered to all of our offices. In particular, a report by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has confirmed that President Obama's new health care law will increase costs for taxpayers and patients. The CMS has estimated that the new law will increase health care spending in this country by $311 billion. Now, that $311 billion figure is on page 4, but all Members should note, on page 2, that they are very up front about this. On page 2, it reads: Because of the transition effects and the fact that most coverage provisions are going to be in effect for 6 of the 10 years of the budget period, the cost estimates that were shown in the memorandum do not represent a full 10-year cost of the legislation. So, even though they are projecting that it is going to be $311 billion, please understand that this is really not a true 10-year time frame. This is why I want to bring this to everyone's attention.”