From the debunked “death panels” rumor over the summer to a politician’s prediction of “Armageddon,” overstated or outright false statements about the impact of reform are drowning out legitimate concerns over changes in the nation’s health care system, some local health industry leaders worry.
Supporters of reform also have exaggerated claims during the epic year-long debate, said Brooks Jackson, director of FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center.
“This is the most-lied about piece of legislation I’ve ever seen,” he said.
Below, the Times Free Press explores the validity of a few claims about reform, some rooted in reality and some that are unsubstantiated.
Claim: The reform bill reduces the federal deficit.