Well, well, there are actually some interesting proposals about reforming our bleeding health care system coverage. And, they are not from McCain (whose health coverage proposal is terminal), Obama (whose health coverage proposal is in need of a transfusion), and Clinton , whose health coverage proposal may actually heal the problem. Her ideas are reflected in some proposals released yesterday by some prestigious organizations.Here they are as listed on various health sites such as Kaiser Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund:
Foundation issues plan to cover 44 million uninsured Americans: The Commonwealth Fund today unveiled a proposal to provide health coverage to 44 million uninsured Americans. The proposal would create a national health insurance “connector” open to everyone without large-employer insurance or Medicare. The connector would offer a choice of private plans as well as a Medicare option called Medicare Extra for people under 65. Employers that do not provide health coverage would be required to pay 7% of payroll into a pool to help finance coverage, and Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program would be expanded to cover all legal residents below 150% of the federal poverty level. Health insurance would be mandatory, with tax credits offered to keep premium costs under 5%-10% of income. Analysts at the Lewin Group estimate the proposal could save $1.6 trillion over 10 years if coupled with other reforms, such as health information technology, evidence-based medicine, Medicare payment changes, negotiated prescription drug prices, and public health efforts to reduce smoking and obesity.
2. Group releases health reform proposal : The Healthcare Leadership Council today issued a proposal to expand access to U.S. health care and improve quality. HLC Chairman Denis Cortese, M.D., president and CEO of the Mayo Clinic, said the proposal targets health coverage for every American, better outcomes for patients and lower cost. The plan calls for “fully funding” public health insurance programs, and using Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program dollars to help workers afford employer-based coverage. It also calls for tax incentives to help individuals and low-income Americans purchase health coverage; payment reforms to encourage and reward quality care and evidence-based medicine; and financing mechanisms to help health care providers invest in information technology. The group plans to share the proposal with congressional leaders and candidates in the 2008 election.
Erickson Health, a service of Erickson Retirement Communities, recently released a white paper on its meeting the challenges of providing health services for the over 65 population. That population has been touted as the highest cost center in healthcare. Yet, according to this white paper, Erickson Health has reduced costs and improved outcomes. You can download the white paper at the erickson.com website or at the politicsofprevention.com site.
So what are your thoughts?
