Florida Health Insurance Expert against AMA’s New Health Insurance Proposal.

Current problems in the U.S. economy and the broken health care system have become all too familiar news. Every day we hear of the relentless growth in the number of the uninsured; 47 million at last count, and then, skyrocketing medical costs, and dwindling employee health benefits. Health insurance broker Morgan Moran said “something must be done now, a health care bailout if you will, where the government guarantees policies, and covers every American.”

The American Medical Association (AMA) in recent months has made covering the uninsured a top priority, Moran said “its new proposal to expand health insurance coverage and choice falls short of its plan”

The Florida health insurance information web site: www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com which reviewed the new AMA proposal, said “the AMA plans to pinpoint and address fundamental flaws in how people currently obtain and pay for health insurance in the United States, flaws that limit the availability and affordability of coverage, especially for those with low earnings or no employee health benefits.” While that sounds good, when you dig a little deeper, the AMA plan is very much like George Bush, and John McCain’s.

Insurance specialist Moran said “This proposal by the AMA is right in line with the current administration and John McCain which stresses tax credits for health care costs” Moran continued ”the AMA/McCain Tax credits are not enough. We need to try something different this time around"

The assistance from the AMA could take the form of tax credits or vouchers. While final figures are not available, it should be more generous at lower income levels, and should be earmarked for health insurance coverage. Moran said, “It is important to note that the government already gives people financial assistance to buy private health insurance—well over $125 billion each year—with an employee income tax break on job-based insurance that is hidden from public view.” This tax break gives more assistance to those in higher tax brackets, and gives no assistance to those without employee health benefits. Shifting some or all of this assistance to tax credits or vouchers for lower-income people would reduce the number of uninsured and improve fairness in the health care system.

To help high-risk people obtain coverage without paying astronomical premiums, additional targeted government subsidies are needed for high-risk people that would allow insurers to keep premiums down in the regular market. Individuals also need to be encouraged to play fairly by taking responsibility for obtaining health insurance without waiting until illness strikes or medical attention is needed. People who are uninsured despite being able to afford coverage should face tax implications.

Moran said “In short, the AMA advocates a clear role for government in financing and regulating health insurance coverage, with health plans and health care services being provided through private markets, as they are currently.” “A better idea would be to take some of that money for the bailout to fund private health insurance plans, just as we fund Medicare”.

For more information about the AMA plan, or to get free advice about buying an insurance policy, visit www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com

Contact Information

Morgan Moran

Health Insurance Broker

Florida Health Insurance Web

Contact via E-mail