Take auto insurance, which is mandatory in every state and look at the number of uninsured. While it's neither plausible nor affordable to provide comprehensive insurance for everyone, we as a nation can certainly provide basic preventive coverage for every American. We can achieve this by transferring tax dollars currently spent on Medicaid, Medicare, Chip and the uninsured to provide benefits such as Physician/Specialist care, Annual Physicals, Well Child, Gynecological Exam/Pap smears, Mammograms, PSA, Immunizations / vaccinations, Diagnostic X-Ray (No MRI's) / Laboratory services, a Generic Drug Benefit, Annual Vision Exam, and Preventive Dental Coverage (exams, cleanings, etc.). Individuals would stay healthier resulting in less catastrophic care.
An individual at their discretion can purchase catastrophic insurance plans associated with Health Savings Accounts (HDHP/HSA). These plans would be Guaranteed Issue, regardless of pre-existing conditions. Insurance premiums would be Tax Deductible. Tax credits and subsidies would be available for the low income for both premiums and HSA investment. Those that opt out of coverage would be treated the same as those without auto insurance... it's their responsibility, not the taxpayer. With most responsible people insured you'll see an overall reduction in health insurance premiums. HSA's will encourage prudent health care decisions while driving down the cost of those services.
Employers can get out of the health / medical insurance business... Less than 60% provide it now. Dollars spent previously on these costs can be redirected to employee HSA Accounts or higher wages and salaries. Employees would no longer base career decision & opportunities on fear of losing their health coverage. Their insurance is portable as is their HSA accounts. Their coverage follows them.
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