Numerical Estimates and the Policy Debate - Len M. Nichols
Publications Wednesday, March 1st, 1995Introduction:
Linda Bilheimer and Robert Reischauer have written a predictably first-rate description of some major estimation issues in the health care reform debate of 1993-1994. While a long list of issues could be added, I have no substantive disagreements with the paper.[i] This should nor surprise anyone, since we all grappled with the same questions and imperfect data for two years, often while trying to help each other sort out the implications of proposals and meet relentless deadlines. To their presentation and the discussion so far I add a general perspective on the role of quantitative estimates in the policy debate and a brief discussion of ways to address the data and research shortcomings that persist.
“Numerical Estimates and the Policy Debate,” Health Affairs, v. 14 #1 (Spring 1995), and in H. Aaron, ed., The Problem That Won’t Go Away: Reforming U.S. Health Care Financing. Brookings Press (Washington, DC) 1996.
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[i] See L. Nichols and L. Blumberg, “Federal Budget Effects of Alternative Health Reform Proposals” (Paper presented to the Allied Social Science Association, January 1995).
