Many plans work by expanding public programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Proponents of this approach believe that it is an easy way to get more people covered.
Opponents believe that expanding these programs only shrinks the individual insurance market. They believe that if more individuals buy their own insurance, everyone should enjoy lower premiums. They also believe that the market should be more "consumer driven." The theory is that individuals will be sensitive to the services they are paying for and will make wiser choices. Meanwhile, insurers will have a larger consumer base to respond to and will provide more appropriate choices for those consumers.
Featured Podcast
Current State and Prospects for Consumer Directed Health Care Kim D. Slocum, President of KDS Consulting speaks with Malorye Allison, editor-in-chief of ReformPlans.com.
