Health Care Safety Net
Oregon Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden offered a proposal yesterday for a pilot program that would create a safety net against catastrophic illness for the uninsured. They propose four state-level projects, with federal dollars going to state governments and private insurers; Oregon would be one of the states.
The project would provide insurance to individuals (either directly or through their employers) who have not been insured for at least a year. Low-income workers would get a break on premiums. In addition, small businesses would be able to provide insurance for catastrophic illness:
With reinsurance, a small-business owner would pay a premium to hedge against the risk that the cost of one catastrophic illness in a small work force would drive health-insurance premiums through the roof, making them unaffordable.
The latter insurance would be available for businesses with 2 to 50 employees and individuals earning less than $19,000 a year.
Smith and Wyden intend to introduce the legislation next year.
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July 06, 2006
Posted in in the news 2006. |
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12:54 p.m.
Jul 6, '06
I just had a really really weird thought. What if Smith ran for President in 2008? This kind of legislation, just makes me wonder what he's up to.
1:48 p.m.
Jul 6, '06
He's going to have enough trouble getting re-elected to the Senate in 2008.
Jul 6, '06
He's going to have enough trouble getting re-elected to the Senate in 2008.
Running for President would not be a bad strategy for doing both. Even is he didn't do so well, it would still raise his stature in Oregon. Some success could make him a potential vice-presidential choice. That kind of talk wouldn't hurt him either if he ran for Senate.
Jul 7, '06
Interesting that this gets all the publicity now when it won't be introduced until "next year." Two comments: One: This has about as much chance to be passed as Gordon Smith becoming a Democrat if the Repubs keep control of either senate or house. Second: Does anyone really believe Smith really has any influence or power in D.C.? I have a strong feeling that Cheney has to work hard to keep from laughing when his name is mentioned.
Jul 7, '06
The project would provide insurance to individuals (either directly or through their employers) who have not been insured for at least a year. Fine. How about a break for individuals that have insurance but are going broke paying the premium?
<h2>Best plan I heard of was during the 2003 primary, let individuals become part of the same insurance pool as congrees and get that group rate.</h2>