Reid lauds low healthcare cost increase

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) applauded news that 2013 healthcare costs increases were the lowest ever recorded. 

“I was struck this morning by looking at the newspapers,” Reid said on the Senate floor Thursday. “Spending on healthcare grew in 2013 at the lowest rate ever recorded.”

{mosads}Reid said the results defy skeptic’s criticisms that the low healthcare cost increases couldn’t last in the sluggish economy.

On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported that healthcare spending grew by just 3.6 percent in 2013 — down from a 3.9 percent increase over the last four years.

Reid’s remarks came after Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said it was a mistake for Democrats to push the Affordable Care Act after taking control of both chambers in 2009.