In 2015 the per capita expenditure (1,120€) will be the same as in 2006, nine years earlier (p.46). The economy follows exactly the same pattern. GDP per capita in 2014 was less than in 2006. Therefore, those that are concerned about stagnation and cutbacks, should look at statistics. The health budget is set according to political criteria, and what this amount reflects is exactly the same social effort to cover health risks as before the crisis.
Unfortunately I haven't seen this argument in any debate, up to now. It's really annoying that ideology overpowers evidence.
PS. James Buchanan blog in BMJ
PS. Robbed by the Kremlin in the WSJ.
