National Health Reform Overview & Benefits to Minnesota Lauren Gilchrist, MPH Office of U.S. Senator Al Franken
Three Key Elements of Health Insurance Reform 1. Insurance market reforms 2. Individual responsibility/mandate 3. Subsidies/tax credits State-based exchanges Medicaid/Medical Assistance expansion
Often-Overlooked Benefits of Health Reform Public Health and Prevention Fund/ National Prevetion Strategy Incentives for workplace wellness Workforce Commission and investments Federally-qualified community health centers
Often-Overlooked Benefits of Health Reform Long-term care insurance program (The CLASS Act) Administrative simplification (ie less paperwork) 340 (b) drug discount program Clinical trials Indian Health Care Improvement Act
What health reform means for Minnesota… Small employers Uninsured adults Kids Seniors Retirees (not yet eligible for Medicare) Providers/hospitals
What about… Cost containment, “bending the cost curve” The state budget The federal deficit Reduces the federal deficit $143 billion by 2019 and more in the following decade 1 Extends solvency of Medicare for 12 additional years 2 Implementation process 1 Elmendorf DW. Congressional Budget Office, March 20, Foster RS. Estimated financial effects of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” as amended. Baltimore: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, April 22, 2010.
It has been said …..by Senator Tom Harkin (IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Health care reform isn’t a mansion. It’s a starter home, with a solid foundation, a strong roof, and room for expansion.