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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    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.

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    He's going to have enough trouble getting re-elected to the Senate in 2008.

  • Ross Williams (unverified)
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    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.

  • OWHN (unverified)
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    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.

  • BOHICA (unverified)
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    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>
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