Senate Health Bill: Mixed Grade On Cost Control

Government economic experts give the Senate's healthcare bill a mixed grade on controlling runaway health costs.

Medicare number crunchers report that the Senate bill would raise total healthcare spending slightly as it provides coverage to an additional 34 million Americans.

But over time, cost-cutting measures in the legislation could start to reduce the annual increases in healthcare spending, offering the possibility of substantial savings in the long run. But, according to the report, that's if lawmakers refuse to roll back Medicare cuts.

The White House says Saturday's report is a good sign for the Senate.

GOP critics, however, aren't likely to be swayed.