WASHINGTON, Jul 21, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A public option in a healthcare
reform bill would shift 83.4 million people from private carriers to the public
plan, a Heritage Foundation report indicates.
Meanwhile, a study released Monday by The Commonwealth Fund indicated the
individual health insurance market isn't a feasible option for the majority of
uninsured adults.
The Heritage Foundation report, issued Monday, also said each doctor could lose
about $18,900 if the House bill is implemented in 2011.
The bill, as written, also would fail to reach its goal of providing health
coverage for all, because about 16.5 million people -- about a third of the
estimated number of uninsured -- still would lack health insurance, the
conservative think tank said.
Approximately 103 million people would be covered under the new public plan,
which President Barack Obama said would provide an option but wouldn't replace
private coverage, resulting in about 83.4 million people losing their private
insurance, the Heritage report said.
The Commonwealth report found that 73 percent of people who tried to buy health
insurance during the last three years abandoned their effort, primarily because
premiums were too high.
Among adults with individual coverage or who tried to buy coverage during the
last three years, 57 percent said it was very difficult or impossible to find
coverage they could afford, The Commonwealth Fund report said.
"To achieve a healthcare system that works for all Americans, we need healthcare
reform that offers comprehensive, affordable health insurance to everyone
regardless of their health status, premium subsidies to help families with low
and moderate incomes afford health insurance, and requirements to ensure that no
one is denied health insurance because of a health problem," Commonwealth Fund
President Karen Davis said.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International