Today's News about Health Insurance
Statement from Chairman Yarmuth on CBO Report on Single-Payer Policy Considerations
Source: House Committee on the Budget
May 1, 2019
“Last summer, I promised that if I became Chairman of the House Budget Committee I would hold hearings on single-payer health care. To jump start that process, I immediately requested this report from the CBO to help us examine the important policy considerations associated with single-payer health systems and their potential impact on the federal budget, national health care spending, and access to care.
FAH Leader Reacts to CBO Report on Single-Payer
Source: Federation of American Hospitals
May 1, 2019
Today's CBO report on single-payer health care raises sobering questions. But what needs to be asked, is it worth the risk of upending health care for every American when the law on the books already contains a roadmap to universal coverage? Instead of such a high stakes gamble, lawmakers should build upon the current foundation so we can continue to improve quality and affordability for families across the country.
CBO report looks at policy considerations for single-payer health system
Source: American Hospital Association
May 1, 2019
Establishing a single-payer system would be a major undertaking that would involve substantial changes in the sources and extent of coverage, provider payment rates, and financing methods of health care in the United States, according to a report released today by the Congressional Budget Office. The report focuses on key design components and considerations for policymakers interested in establishing a single-payer system, but “does not address all of the issues that the complex task of designing, implementing and transitioning to a single-payer system would entail, nor does it analyze the budgetary effects of any specific bill or proposal,” CBO notes. Among other topics, the report includes high-level discussions about hospital ownership, provider employment and payment rates, but does not make any recommendations.
AMA on ruling blocking administration’s Title X restrictions
Source: American Medical Association
May 1, 2019
“Judge McShane’s ruling is a victory for patients, physicians and the open conversations that are essential to improving health outcomes. In siding with patients and doctors in this case, the judge decisively said the free exchange of medical information is an essential patient right. The AMA will not stand by when the government interferes with the patient-doctor relationship by foisting a gag rule on physicians. Patients trusting their doctors is the foundation of good health, and there must be open communication about health care options.”
Scalise Statement on Louisiana Efforts to Protect Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions
Source: Steve Scalise (R-LA, 1st)
May 1, 2019
"As we have been working to fix serious problems with our healthcare system in Washington, I have also been following the healthcare debate in the Louisiana Legislature. We should all want a quality healthcare system that lowers costs, gives patients more choices, and protects people with pre-existing conditions from higher costs, while also improving the quality of care for everyone.
Burgess Acts to Protect North Texans’ Health Care
Source: Michael Burgess (R-TX, 26th)
April 24, 2019
“Association health plans expand opportunities for Americans to choose insurance that meets their needs, and for employers to provide quality insurance to their employees. As a physician who once owned my own practice, I am encouraged that these plans allow employers, by partnering together, to offer quality coverage that can be more affordable,” said Dr. Burgess. “This strategy is working – in North Texas, several chambers of commerce already have begun offering health plans to their members through the North Texas Employer Health Plan Cooperative. Although federal courts have jeopardized the individuals in North Texas and around the country who are covered by existing association health plans, I have introduced this legislation to protect Americans’ access to quality care.”
