"The decline in projected spending, which continues a pattern of downward revisions to CBO's projections in recent years, stems from several factors. One is health reform's cuts in payments to Medicare providers and health plans.... But CBO and other experts have also concluded that a substantial part of the health care cost slowdown reflects structural changes in the health care system. Professional associations, hospitals, and doctors are taking steps to curb costly and ineffective procedures and treatments."  MORE >>