The 2009 legislative session is now closed in Washington State.  We are currently focusing on Federal health care reform legislation.

Health Care Reform - Necessary Features

Congress is finally considering serious health care reform - pushed by the Obama administration and by a worsening crisis nationwide.  There are several competing options and proposals, representing a diversity of interests.  

First and foremost, any and all health care reform proposals must be designed with the public interest in mind -- and not designed by special interests that are organized as private, investor-driven, profit-motivated corporations or self-serving organizations that are vested in maintaining the status quo.  

The features below are essential for true health care reform -- to achieve a system that provides quality, comprehensive, timely and affordable access to health care for all in the U.S. and is economically sustainable for our country.

1.  Guaranteed acceptance:  Coverage cannot be denied to anyone for health status, pre-existing conditions, or for any other reason.  

2.  Automatic enrollment and immediate coverage:  Starts at the point of first medical contact for those without any other coverage. No waiting period, even if previously uninsured.

3.  Available to everyone:  Includes employers, employee groups, and any individual.  Coverage will follow the individual, regardless of employment.

4.  Choice: Freedom to choose health care providers, including hospitals, clinics and services. 

5.  Comprehensive benefit package:  One set of benefits for everyone regardless of age, employment status, enrollment group, geography, health status, or any other factor.  Services should be effective, efficient, safe, timely and patient-centered.     

6.  Affordable for everyone:  Appropriate cost-sharing by employers, individuals, and public sources/programs.  Health care must always be affordable with no barriers to access and use due to financial circumstances.  

7.  Sustainable:  Must contain a dedicated funding source immune from fluctuating economic conditions or from political lobbying.

8.  Health care providers should be paid directly:  A single, efficient public "payer" (similar to how Medicare operates) should directly pay for services delivered by private health care providers and facilities chosen by the patient.

9.  Fair reimbursement to health care providers:  Providers should be fairly and reasonably compensated for their services. 

10.  Cost-effective:  The system/plan should be efficient, with low administrative costs, and should include evidence-based practices, preventive care, and other cost-savings measures. 

Dated:  May 5, 2009  Created by:  Washington Health Security Coalition