Here it is. AHIP’s Proposal — because they didn’t obviously didn’t get enough at the MMA trough in the last go around, they figure another $30 Billion a year for ten years will get us all the way to 95% coverage in 10 years.
Um, how about getting to 100% coverage for no more money than we’re spending now? I could do that. Of course that might piss some people off along the way, including those AHIP members with their snouts deepest in the trough. But fear not, that’ll come too because no way that this coalition can seriously hold together given the discrepancy of interests and moral values amongst their membership—even with its leader’s skill in believing her own prevariactions. Because eventually the shysters and those who genuinely believe that they add value to the care process will not be able to hang together.
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Just another attempt by self serving corporate america that sees the writing on the wall but wants to preserve the status quo – income.
“This bold program would expand coverage to tens of millions within a framework that is fiscally sound and promotes individual responsibility.”
I thought the present system did that? Looks like their looking for government hand-outs.
“The plan is designed to expand access to health insurance coverage to all children within three years and 95 percent of adults within 10 years. AHIP estimates that full implementation of this proposal would cost the federal government approximately $300 billion over a 10-year period.”
In addition to what this country spends now? I think this is a great plan to bring non health insurance customers into the insurance fold $$$$$ and rake them over the financial coals as well. Anybody pick up cost controls or reductions?
“The access crisis causes millions of Americans to forgo the preventive care and treatment for chronic illness that they need,” said George Halvorson, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Permanente; Chairman-elect, AHIP Board of Directors. “By ensuring everyone has access to coverage, we can make families more secure, workers more productive and, ultimately, make this a healthier nation.”
Well at least he’s admitting the faults of the present private health insurance system. Has this guy found god or just been hit in the head by a 2-by-4?
“The AHIP plan calls for enactment of federal legislation that provides significant financial incentives to states and makes changes to federal tax policy to make health coverage more affordable.”
Could this be for the insurance industry what Med PartD did for the drug industry – well hold on to your financial hat.
Matt, you hit the nail on the head. The key question is whether a coalition can be generated to actually move forward on reform (as opposed to just an expansion of government funding). Reform means re-engineering the system and the incentives in the system. The current proposals make some noises in that direction, but everything concrete refers to having the government subsidize more health insurance. That won’t save any money.
Unlike you, I do think it is possible that heads can be knocked, backs can be rubbed, and debates can be won to move AHIP into a more progressive stance. In fact, I see big changes coming in the next couple of years.
This sounded like AHIP’s attempt to get the government to do their HSA marketing for them.
Keep reading Lynn
Well I suspose the tooth fairy is a form of dental insurance too.
Just how exactly do folks qualifying for the earned income tax credit benefit from a $500 tax credit for providing insurance for their children? Even in MA they recognize the threshold of 300% FPL.