Universal New York health care: a single-payer strategy linking cost control and universal access

Article Abstract:

The concept of universal health insurance, which received minimal attention during the past decade, is again being debated by federal and state government. Many states are now drafting proposals for health insurance that would cover segments of society that are currently uninsured, or that would cover all individuals, thereby replacing the current system. Legislatures have been wrestling with two basic options for achieving universal medical coverage, both of which may have serious drawbacks. One option is to expand the current health insurance system, which consists of many separate public and private payers; problems include the continuation of excessive administrative costs and spiraling charges for medical services. The other option is to abandon the current system and finance a national health plan by way of taxes, as is done in Canada; this idea may be rejected based on its political ramifications. The authors describe a third option that has not yet received recognition, Universal New York Health Care (UNY-Care). This program, developed by the NY State Department of Health, would continue to use the current system of many public and private insurance carriers, but would make the government the only buyer of health care. Each New Yorker would carry a single membership card, which would be the only identification needed to obtain health services. Patients would not file any claim forms; instead, the service providers (hospitals, physicians) would bill the single payer, which would be the government. This would greatly reduce paperwork, waste, and delays in reimbursement, while also controlling fees for services. The authors conclude that UNY-Care is the ideal plan to achieve universal health insurance. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Planning, National health insurance, New York (State)

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Health care reform stages a comeback in Massachusetts

Article Abstract:

The state of Massachusetts has taken the lead in extending health services to the uninsured. A law that became effective in July, 1996 increased the state tobacco tax by 25 cents to fund various programs. Medicaid will be extended to cover all residents with an income below 133% of the federal poverty level. This will cover 124,000 residents who were uninsured before passage of the law. The Children's Medical Security Plan will be extended to cover all children up to 18 years of age. The law also will help elderly low-income residents with their prescription costs.

Laws, regulations and rules, Services, Medically uninsured persons, Massachusetts, Health care reform

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