Want to debate Medicare costs? You need to see this chart first.

Want to debate Medicare costs? You need to see this chart first.

"Health-care costs growth has seen a steep decline over the past few years. Instead of outpacing the rest of the economy, it has grown at the exact same rate."

"The ‘if’ there is crucial: We don’t know whether this cost growth slowdown is permanent or temporary, a factor of Americans cutting back on care during the recession."