FIXING THE GAME
Ideas from the insurance industry and its supporters
Fixed Rule:
An article from AHIP’s magazine Coverage (Jan/February 2008) touts Switzerland as a model of U.S. health care reform:
“[T]he [Swiss] system is characterized as high input, high output, and high cost. But there are almost no uninsured people in Switzerland, which means this combination private market and government regulation continues to work. In repeat polls from 1990 to 2007, at least 72 percent of those surveyed favor the use of the “market” (private insurers) over a system run by the state.”
But AHIP’s explanation of the Swiss model conveniently ignores one of its most important components: Insurers are forbidden by law to make a profit on the basic health insurance coverage plan, which is very comprehensive.
Insurers not allowed to make a profit? Will AHIP support that reform?
Fair Rule:
- A public alternative to insurance company coverage that is accountable to us.
- Fair regulation and oversight of insurance companies, with government as a watchdog.
Read more in the "Fixing the Game" Archive.
LATEST SCORECARD
Fifty-eight percent of primary care doctors in the U.S. report their patients often have difficulty paying for medications and care, and half of U.S. doctors spend substantial time dealing with restrictions insurance companies place on their patients’ care, according to the 2009 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey.
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Families saw their premiums for job-based health insurance rise to an average of $13,375 annually in 2009, with workers paying an average share of $3,515 and employers paying $9,860.
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