Sebelius: Industry will keep promise to cut costs

[May 12, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday she's confident health industry leaders will make good on their promise to slow the growth of medical care costs.

And she also suggested that the Obama administration wouldn't hesitate to call them out if they retreat on the promise to slow spending growth by $2 trillion over the next 10 years.

The recently confirmed Cabinet official was asked on ABC's "Good Morning America" what enforcement mechanism the administration would have if doctors, hospitals, insurers and other industry players renege on their promise to contain costs.

The Kansas Democrat responded that political pressure would be brought to bear, saying a significant aspect of President Barack Obama's election last November "was about changing the health care system."

In an interview on NBC's "Today" show, she called Monday's meeting with health care industry representatives "pretty remarkable" and noted that some in the White House session were people who had vehemently opposed earlier attempts to overhaul the system.

Sebelius said, "They haven't made this commitment before, to my knowledge."

[Associated Press]

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