Controling The Cost of Heath Care
3:02 pm
Health Reform Information
The Very Latest
NAHU’s Vision for Responsible Health Reform
The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) present there proposal for comprehensive health care reform that’s affordable and accessible by building off the strengths of our current system.
House and Senate Bill Comparisons
How health reform measures affect you in dollars and cents.
The full version of the House Health Reform Bill.
The full version of the Senate Health Reform Bill.
Town Hall Meetings
Health Care Reform: Fact or Fiction ?
Fact checking document uncovering the truth behind the misleading statements and factual half-truths being spread by proponents of the current health care reform bill (H.R. 3200).
U.S. vs. Global Health Care Quality White Paper
Executive Summary of Health Care Quality
Research piece on the quality of the U.S. health care in comparison with other systems around the world.
U.S. vs. Global Health Care Quality
Health Care Systems Around the World
CATO Institute research piece with a comparison of the US health care system with others around the world.
National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) research article providing some less-known facts about our health care system that places the US higher in quality when compared to other nations.Canadian Health Care We So Envy Lies in Ruins, Its Architect Admits
The rise and ruin of the Canadian health care system. Makes reference to the changing stances of its founder who today believes the system is failing.
Lines for Swedish Care Grow Longer
Investor’s Business Daily article on growing problems with accessibility and service within the Swedish health care system.
Americas Other Health Care Gap, Public Perception vs. Reality
Knowledge @ Wharton Network (ASU Regents @ W.P. Carey) article providing a balanced perspective on the benefit and need for improvement in our health care system. The author points out the lack of balance in the media’s portrayal of the current state of our health care system.
Not Much Bang For Our Health Care Buck
Misperceptions related to the U.S. health care system and its world ranking in the areas of infant mortality and life expectancy.
ABC News/USA TODAY/Kaiser Family Foundation Health Care Poll
Survey found that 89% of covered Americans were satisfied with the quality of their own health care.
U.S. Chamber Study Finds Medical Benefits Consume Largest Share of Employer Costs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce press release on American employers’ contribution to employee health. The report finds that U.S. employers spend 12.1% of payroll on an employee’s medical benefits.
Medical Debt
Medical Bills Driving Most Middle-Class Bankruptcies
Report on the increase in bankruptcies (Nearly two-thirds) influenced by medical problems and expenses. Provides research-based statistical information on medical expense-driven bankruptcy, including for those covered by private health insurance.
Administrative Costs
Administrative Expenses of Health Plans
An independent analysis of the administrative costs of private vs. government health plans. Provides current and accurate information on administrative cost differences once thought to be more favorable and efficient with programs like Medicare. Administrative costs for private insurance which were reported at 30% of premiums (1988) actually represent 9.18% (2007) of premiums.
The Uninsured and Rising Health Insurance Premiums
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study finds 45% of the uninsured (47 million) get coverage in 4 months or less. A smaller percentage are more chronically uninsured.
The Uninsured
Uninsured Figures Overhype The Lack of Health Coverage
Cites the 2007 Census survey estimating that 46 million people in the U.S. are lacking health insurance. Several further studies are cited to expose how the Census figure is being misrepresented to the American public, one of which showing 43% of the uninsured are so by choice.
New Employment Policies Institute (EPI) study done by June O’Neill that shows the uninsured “crisis” as significantly overestimated. Found that 43% of the 46 million uninsured Americans could afford coverage but went without it.
Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007
Census Bureau report providing figures and demographics on health insurance coverage in the United States. Found that of the 46 million uninsured Americans, 9.7 million, or 21% were not U.S. citizens.
The Uninsured and the Affordability of Health Insurance Coverage
A 2006 study by scholars at Johns Hopkins University and the Urban Institute that finds the number of people without insurance because they have no option to be close to 45% of the uninsured.
Medicare
Steve Forbes, Forbes Magazine draws connections between the short-comings in our current system of Medicare and Medi-caid and what traits would likely carry over into a future socialized medical system.
History of Gov’t-Run Health Care is a Study in Skyrocketing Costs
Article recalls the original government cost projection for the Medicare system and compares it to the results. The government estimates were off by over 1000%.
Private Option
The Cost and Coverage Impacts of a Public Plan: Alternative Design Options
Well-respected health care consultants, the Lewin Group review the potential enrollment of the public-plan option. The study notes that Medicare premiums would be lower than private premiums because of the leverage Medicare has with providers. The potential result: “The private industry might just fizzle out altogether.”
Employers Support Wellness and Consumerism Efforts in Health Reform
The findings of a health care reform survey conducted by Aon Consulting. Found that a majority of employers oppose the changes and mandates associated with a government-run public plan. 93% favor a continuation of an employer-based health care system with a greater focus on wellness, health risk prevention, and other evidence-based approaches to health and cost management.
Obama Health Care Bill
The full-text online version of the proposed health care bill H.R. 3200. The site includes a table of contents for easier navigation of the over 1000 page document.
The Impact of the 2009 Access to Quality Affordable Health Care for All Act
HSI Network LLC independent assessment/cost estimate of the House bill. The report claims that the bill will cost $3.5 trillion.
Cost Shifting
Report found the average annual family health care spending to be $1,788 higher due to cost shifting from Medicare and Medicaid under-payment of actual provider reimbursement rates.
NAHU Position Statement on Federal Health Benefit Mandates
The National Association of Health Underwriters cite an estimate that there are over 1000 benefit mandates currently in existence, which studies have shown to add as much as 25% to the cost of insurance premiums.
The Cost Shift from the Uninsured
Provides an excellent table breaking down the increased cost in premiums on individuals and families due to the uninsured (2009) by state, as well as the average for the entire U.S. Also projects increased cost in premiums for the year 2013. Found that American families’ annual health care premiums cost $1,100 more due to cost shifting from the uninsured.
Health Reform in the Media
Stossel: Why Obama’s Health Plan Gets it Wrong
ABC 20/20 report on the Obama health care bill and its implications. Focuses on the benefits of “for profit” health care, describes the bill in congress as a bridge to a government-run health care system, and takes a look at problems with getting seen in Canada.
Get Some! How to Fix America’s Health Insurance Crisis
Nick Gillespie’s (Reason.tv) report on the uninsured. Focuses on those who can afford health insurance (45%), but choose not to get covered. Includes lifestyle interviews with uninsured youth.
Posted in Uncategorized.
– August 14, 2009
