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Purchasing Pool Legislation Pushes Health Reform Debate |
| Thu March 15th, 2007 |
Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut is heartened by the Labor and Public Employees Committee’s approval today of a health care bill that would move the state’s beleaguered health care system in a positive direction for all residents.
H.B. 7314 “An Act Establishing the State Health Insurance Purchasing Pool Program” would guarantee coverage for all residents through a range of competing private health insurance plans. The state would administer a purchasing pool through which residents could select their choice of health plans.
This market-based health plan reflects findings of our research and a policy model developed based on Connecticut-specific data. Similar to a bill passed by the Insurance and Real Estate Committee Tuesday, this house bill meets the principles of universal health care as defined by the Institute of Medicine and the foundation.
This purchasing pool plan holds the potential to bring the comprehensive change Connecticut needs by providing universal health care coverage that is affordable and sustainable, continuous and portable; and enhances health and well being through preventive care. The passage of this bill in combination with approval of the senate universal health care bill is especially inspiring. The bill, which also draws from foundation research, calls for a streamlined and cost-effective health plan.
Both of these plans could lead to the comprehensive change urgently needed in our beleaguered health care system. Connecticut voters want action. They want affordable quality health care, and are demanding bold change to achieve it for every man, woman and child in this state. The plan outlined in house bill 7314 represents yet another viable vehicle for moving the health care reform debate in that direction. As a nonpartisan public charity, this foundation is committed to serving as a resource to policy makers and the public.
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