Healthcare Discussion in Washington
Today in Washington, Democrats are expected to unveil a plan calling for expanded health care coverage. According to the Washington Post, the proposal has several key features:
-Allowing Americans 55-64 to buy into Medicare, the program that currently provides all Americans over 65 with healthcare.
-A 50% tax credit to help the self-employed and small businesses afford health insurance.
-Allow the re-importation of prescription drugs from Canada.
-Allow Medicare to bargain for prescription drug prices. Currently, Medicare is the only large healthcare purchaser who cannot bargain; the Veterans’ Administration, the states, and large companies can bargain over prices.
While it is not very likely we will see any action on the federal level advancing health care, the proposal shows the rising concern for the problem and the desire for action to be taken. In Massachusetts that desire for action has produced several plans that have a very good chance to become reality before the end of our legislative session next year.
-Allowing Americans 55-64 to buy into Medicare, the program that currently provides all Americans over 65 with healthcare.
-A 50% tax credit to help the self-employed and small businesses afford health insurance.
-Allow the re-importation of prescription drugs from Canada.
-Allow Medicare to bargain for prescription drug prices. Currently, Medicare is the only large healthcare purchaser who cannot bargain; the Veterans’ Administration, the states, and large companies can bargain over prices.
While it is not very likely we will see any action on the federal level advancing health care, the proposal shows the rising concern for the problem and the desire for action to be taken. In Massachusetts that desire for action has produced several plans that have a very good chance to become reality before the end of our legislative session next year.
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