GOVERNMENTInsurance certificate bill aims to expand coverageThe measure would devote $50 billion to the certificates and to states for high-risk insurance pools.By Joel B. Finkelstein, amednews staff. Aug. 11, 2003. Washington -- Proposed health insurance certificates would give low-income families new means to purchase coverage, but some lawmakers worry that consumers would not get much for their money. The value of the certificates would vary depending on income. They could be worth as much as $1,000 to individuals making less than $13,000 a year and $2,750 for families making less than $25,000 a year. Their value could not exceed 70% of insurance premiums. Individuals making more than $18,000 and families earning more than $34,000 would be ineligible. Smaller subsidies would be available to those with the option of buying employer-sponsored coverage. "I make no claim that this bill is a perfect or comprehensive solution," said its sponsor, Rep. Mike Bilirakis (R, Fla.). He acknowledged that the proposed funding is not enough to help everyone without insurance. But he said the measure is a sign that Congress cares about the problem and is working on it. The bill would devote $50 billion over 10 years to a combination of health insurance certificates and incentives to the states to establish or expand high-risk insurance pools. The National Assn. of Manufacturers supports the legislation, which would provide up to $400 for an individual and $1,100 for families to subsidize a worker's share of employer-sponsored coverage. "About 18% of non-elderly Americans are without any kind of health coverage, and affordability is among the highest hurdles," said Neil Trautwein, the group's director of employment policy. He added that the bill targets a "significant and well-deserving segment of the uninsured." [...]Full text of American Medical News content is available to AMA members and paid subscribers.
Copyright 2003 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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