Principles for ReformThe President unveiled his administration’s Principles for Health Reform in February, setting the larger tone for Congressional negotiations well in advance of the fall (http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health-care/plan). In advance of major health care legislation, the President passed an extension to Children’s SCHIP health insurance, extended COBRA health insurance unemployment benefits and provided funding to encourage adoption of electronic medical records. Importantly, however, the administration has aimed to unveil principles for reform rather than outlining a specific set of legislative benchmarks, leaving law making to compromise sessions in Congress.As part of the overall effort, the President’s goals related to reducing the long-run increase in health care expenses, a reduction in health-related bankruptcy filings, more secure health benefits for the involuntarily unemployed and an improvement in patient outcomes and safety over the long run. Working with medical professionals and insurers, the administration aims to open up more coverage options to low income families as well as those with pre-existing conditions. Today, individuals with long term diseases are unable to get insurance coverage, creating an obstacle to controlling health costs. A major push for new healthcare reform legislation relates to the impact of public health costs on the national deficit. Projections suggest that healthcare expenses could rise to over 25% of national spending within a decade, further putting a burden on the already high national budget level. Rather than relying upon borrowing to fund an aging population, the Administration is working to create programs to bring down the long-term costs of care for better economic and medical outcomes. Forging a middle ground between a fully public option, Obama’s healthcare reform plans aim to help individuals improve access to local, private plans. Today, there are barriers to entry for new insurers as well as impediments that prevent individuals and non-employed families from acquired affordable care given their risk levels. By pooling individuals into cooperatives, families will be able to effectively extend the COBRA benefits they have with group coverage into the future, making health care much more affordable for all.
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