AmeriCare-Choice Setting a Course Toward Universal Health Care Bobby Peterson, ABC for Health June 2009
What is AmeriCare-Choice? Comprehensive health reform plan Affordable coverage to all Americans Builds on the strength of public & private interests
What is AmeriCare-Choice? Large-scale pooling Public/private partnerships Accountability & Consumer protections Patient Advocacy and Outreach
AmeriCare-Choice Highlights: Builds from the existing Medicaid structure Expands eligibility to 300% FPL Offers buy-in option for employers and individuals.
AmeriCare-Choice Highlights: Creates broad risk pools instead of hundreds of small risk “puddles” Greater purchasing power = better benefits Streamlined administration cuts costs
Financing AmeriCare-Choice: Combine government, private and consumer dollars. Private health insurance companies compete for business with the states Employers and individuals pay premiums and cost-sharing
AmeriCare-Choice: Protecting Consumers Maintains due process rights Health Benefits Counselors assist in appeals, hearings, legal action Federal/State oversight system stays in place Local HealthWatch Coalitions add local focus, emphasize key issues
Why AmeriCare-Choice? AmeriCare-Choice builds on what works Eliminates need for enormous front- end costs No employer mandates—join by incentive
Why AmeriCare-Choice? Avoids political battles over benefits Follows ideal of progressive incrementalism Preserves consumer choice, cut costs and expands coverage.
Questions? ABC for Health, Inc. 32 N. Bassett Street Madison, WI (608) ext 201 Contact: Bobby Peterson AmeriCare-Choice Setting a Course Toward Universal Health Care