Viewing entries tagged with 'AHIP'
ICYMI: AHIP on Health Care Reform Consensus
Posted by The Campaign on June 25, 2009 at 10:18 AM
In Case You Missed It
"The point needs to be made that there is still a great deal of consensus on a broad framework for comprehenisve health care reform. Unfortunately, the discussion around a government-run plan has clouded all of the areas where there is consensus."
-- AHIP spokesperson Robert Zirkelbach (National Journal, 06/25/2009)
AHIP Statement on House Health Care Reform Discussion Draft
Posted by The Campaign on June 19, 2009 at 1:00 PM
AHIP Statement on House Health Care Reform Discussion Draft
"We strongly believe that now is the time for comprehensive, bipartisan health care reform that makes care more affordable, improves quality, and covers all Americans. We are currently reviewing the draft and look forward to participating in a broad discussion on the workability of the proposed reforms.
"Health plans have offered a comprehensive overhaul of existing market rules and new consumer protections to achieve universal coverage, guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions, discontinue rating based on health status or gender, and ensure continuity of care and portability of coverage for all individuals.
"The American people overwhelmingly agree that those who like their current coverage should be able to keep it. We share the concerns that providers, employers, and patients have raised about the significant unintended consequences of a government-run plan. A government-run plan would dismantle employer-based coverage, add additional liabilities to the federal budget, and turn-back-the-clock on efforts to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Estimates show that 100 million people would lose their current coverage and be forced into a government-run plan.
"A better approach is to pursue reforms that can achieve broad bipartisan support, including strengthening the health care safety net, overhauling existing market rules, promoting shared responsibility, and transforming the delivery system to reward quality and value.
"As we work toward the shared goal of simplifying health care choices, it is crucial to develop an architecture with workable rules that ensures broad participation of health plans, makes available a variety of coverage options, and avoids duplicative regulation that makes it harder for working families and small employers to afford coverage. Moreover, health care reform needs to ensure that patients continue to benefit from health plans' programs that improve quality and safety, advance evidence-based care, and promote affordability.
"We need a uniquely American approach to health care reform. Health plans are committed to this process and will do our part to help make this goal a reality."
AHIP: New Report Emphasizes Urgent Need for Cost-Containment in Health Care Reform
Posted by The Campaign on June 19, 2009 at 5:25 AM
A new report from PWC forecasts that employers' health care costs will rise 9 % in 2010, far outpacing inflation or GDP growth.
"The rising cost of medical services continues to wreak havoc on the budgets of families and employers,and it becomes clearer each day that the health care system will not be sustainable unless cost-containment is a centerpiece of reform. A reformed system would reward value rather than volume. Patients and their doctors would have real-time access to actionable information on which treatments are safest, work best and are most cost-effective. Doctors and nurses would see relief from the threat of frivilous lawsuits," said AHIP's Mike Tuffin.
For the Associated Press's story on the PWC report, click here.
For the PWC report click here.
ICYMI: AHIP on Best Way to Reform System
Posted by The Campaign on June 17, 2009 at 2:19 PM
In Case You Missed It
"A better approach is to completely overhaul existing market rules and enact new consumer protections to guarantee coverage for pre-existing conditions and ensure that nobody falls through the cracks."
-- Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans.
REMINDER: AHIP's Statement on Senate HELP Committee's Health Care Reform Legislation
Posted by The Campaign on June 17, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Last week, AHIP released a statement on the Senate HELP Committee's reform legislation. From the statement:
"The introduction of legislation is an important first step in the process and demonstrates a strong commitment by members of Congress to enact health care reform this year."
Click here to read the entire release.
