|
TOWARD
AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE: Prescriptions for Today
March 31, 2003
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington,
DC
In a daylong symposium
yesterday in Washington, DC, consumerism was the overriding solution
to the top health care affordability challenges in America. Among
the issues addressed at Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions
for Today were refundable tax credits, expansion of Medical Savings
Accounts (MSAs) and repeal of state mandates and rating
restrictions.
A variety of policy leaders, executives from the health care
industry and related non-profit organizations throughout the country
convened at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade
Center to discuss specific solutions that impact affordability. Most
experts agreed that involving the consumer as a central player in
the health care system is the most critical, common component of the
solutions proposed.
In the day’s concluding address, Sec. Tommy G. Thompson commented
that, using President Bush’s proposed $89 billion, tax credits
could be offered to help uninsured individuals and families purchase
health insurance - $1,500 for singles and $3,500 for couples.
Thompson noted that his solution could allow “half to 70
percent” of the uninsured to obtain coverage. Regarding state
government mandates, the Secretary noted that such requirements
“obviously make insurance more expensive.”
Thompson’s views on mandates were echoed in comments made earlier
in the day by Mike Pickens, president of the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
“Consumerism will only work if Americans are empowered and
informed,” said Ben Cutler, Chairman of Fortis Health and Chairman
of Health Insurance Association of America. “Through solutions
such as MSA expansion, refundable tax credits and other
market-driven choices, consumers will become more involved in their
health care decision-making.” He adds that leaders present at the
symposium are committed to a variety of solutions as a top priority.
|
Moderated
by
Fred
Barnes
Executive Editor, The Weekly Standard
Overview
Agenda
eFORUM
Results
Issue
Research
Media
Kit
Webcast
Sponsors
|
