90 Congressional Cosigners: Free Health Care for All!

Posted by health4all

Posted: June 20, 2008 - 5:28 pm

Here is a proposal for massive reform of health financing and health access in the United States, and it has 90 Congressional cosponsers! And you thought these guys were just sitting on their duffs and doing nothing. I speak of H.R.676 To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, and for other purposes. The bill is sponsored by Rep John Conyers, Jr., Democrat from Michigan. This is one of the most progressive bills out there, and is well worth watching, understanding, and getting to know. Does it sound good to you? A brief summary follows:

United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act) - Establishes the United States National Health Insurance (USNHI) Program (the Program) to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services.

Prohibits an institution from participating in the Program unless it is a public or nonprofit institution. Allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that actually deliver care in their own facilities to participate in the Program.

Gives patients the freedom to choose from participating physicians and institutions.

Prohibits a private health insurer from selling health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act. Allows such insurers to sell benefits that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery benefits.

Sets forth methods to pay hospitals and health professionals for services. Prohibits financial incentives between HMOs and physicians based on utilization.

Establishes the USNHI Trust Fund to finance the Program with amounts deposited: (1) from existing sources of Government revenues for health care; (2) by increasing personal income taxes on the top 5% income earners; (3) by instituting a progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employment income; and (4) by instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.

Requires the Program to give first priority in retraining and job placement and unemployment benefits to individuals whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration.

Establishes a National Board of Universal Quality and Access to provide advice on quality, access, and affordability.

Provides for the eventual integration of the Indian Health Service into the Program.

[Source: Thomas]

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