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New Plan Would Provide Health Insurance for Almost All Americans; Could Reduce Health Spending $1.6 Trillion Over 10 Years |
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From The Commonwealth Fund: In an article in today's Health Affairs and an accompanying issue brief, Commonwealth Fund researchers lay out a plan that would insure 44 million of the estimated 48 million uninsured Americans in 2008. It would offer new health insurance choices to individuals and small businesses for 30 percent less than what employers currently pay, leading to improved coverage or reduced premiums for 49 million individuals. The proposed approach could save $1.6 trillion over 10 years if it is coupled with efforts to reform how the United States pays for health care, invest in better information systems, and adopt initiatives to improve public health. The "Building Blocks" plan would preserve employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and build on the existing success of the Medicare program by offering a Medicare-like option along with a choice of private health plans through a new national, health insurance "connector." "This approach builds on group insurance coverage and the national reach of Medicare and at the same time addresses the high administrative and premium costs for individuals and small groups," said Commonwealth Fund President and article co-author Karen Davis. The approach is laid out in the article "Building Blocks of Universal Coverage With Private and Public Group Insurance" and is further described in combination with other reforms in the accompanying issue brief, The Building Blocks of Health Reform: Achieving Universal Coverage and Health System Savings, both by Commonwealth Fund researchers Cathy Schoen, Karen Davis, and Sara Collins. The sooner we start, the greater the gains for families and the nation."
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