Up to 80% of Americans agree that major reforms are needed. And the election on November 4th showed strong support for health care reform — a major emphasis in the Obama campaign.
One thing we must remember is that health care reform is NOT a partisan issue. There is broad public support for fixing health care sooner rather than later. Though exit polls showed health care behind the economy as a key voter issue, further probing also showed that voters consider health care the top personal economic issue they face.
What is President-elect Obama’s plan? In general, he has proposed a plan for universal coverage that would build on the current system of mixed private and public group insurance. Some of its features are similar to the universal coverage law now being implemented in Massachusetts. All employers, other than small businesses, would be required to offer health insurance to their employees or contribute to the cost.
Eligibility for Medicaid and SCHIP would be expanded. Small businesses, self-employed individuals, and people who do not have coverage through their employers, Medicaid, or SCHIP would be able to purchase a plan through a new insurance market called the National Health Insurance Exchange. Through this exchange, people could choose a private plan or a new public plan similar to that offered to federal employees and members of Congress.
Insurance carriers would be required to offer plans regardless of pre-existing conditions and could not charge premiums based on health status. Small businesses would be eligible for tax credits to offset their premium costs and individuals would be eligible for income-based premium subsidies.
This video from Obama’s campaign provides a good summary of his plan:
For a detailed explanation of his health plan, go to the Obama campaign website or see the Obama-Biden plan at change.gov.
In the weeks to come, we’re anticipating increased discussion about issues around health care reform as Congress members and a wide range of stakeholders begin to weigh in and work on building a consensus for change.
Carol Regan, Director
HCHCW
cregan@phinational.org
This article is the best ray of hope, I’ve read in a long time.We all need health care coverage. If other countries can do it [ex. England, Canada] why can’t we. I know this is a capitalist society, but,somtimes we need to think about the general population and not profits.