A bipartisan bill introduced in the House this week would bring the concept of nationwide universal health insurance, as recently discussed by leading presidential candidates, closer to reality.
The newly-crafted American Health Benefits Program (AHBP) Act, proposed by Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), would make the health plan used by federal employees available to all Americans and would provide a system of portable, continuous coverage that is not tied to an individual's employment. Once in the system, enrollees would be better able to receive long-term, preventative care from a doctor of their choice, authors of the bill said.
Under the bill, private insurance companies would be encouraged to develop a range of healthcare packages based on quality, efficiency, service and price. Individuals, healthcare providers, the business community and the government would all have key roles to play in reforming U.S. healthcare.
The bill mirrors the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, a successful template that insures over 8 million federal employees, retirees and their dependents through private carriers, Shays said. Americans not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, Indian Health Services, or the Veterans programs would be able to choose a healthcare package through the American Health Benefits Program or an equivalent employer-sponsored plan.
"My vision is that all Americans will one day have access to the same level of care as members of Congress," Langevin said. "The time has long passed to open a dialogue on reforming the nationís health care system. Such constructive, bipartisan conversations will require a great deal of time, study, and work by many parties, but I am confident it can be done. This proposal introduces a viable concept and leaves room for further discussion."
According to Shays, cost and access to healthcare remains a top concern in America. By spending healthcare dollars more efficiently, the United States can make coverage affordable for all. Coverage costs under the bill would be primarily paid through a trust fund financed by a payroll tax. The federal government would pay 72 percent of the total premium, while individuals would be responsible for 28 percent of their premium. Low income individuals would eligible for a sliding scale subsidy.
The bill is slated to be evaluated by the Joint Committee on Taxation and the Congressional Budget Office.
The bill proposes managed competition and recognizes that any successful health insurance program must be based on three principles, the bill's authors said. These include, choice, shared responsibility and affordability.