Health Care Reform Proposals Draw Interest in Campaigns

Commentary by Devon Herrick

April 01, 2008

At the 2008 Washington Economic Policy Conference, the Health Economics Roundtable sponsoredasession on prominent health care reform proposals, including those of the presidential candidates and reform efforts taking place in many states.  Democrats have embraced a system of individual and employer-mandated health coverage, coupled with insurance regulations requiring insurers to cover all who apply (guaranteed issue) and to charge similar premiums regardless of health status (community rating). Republicans call for various changes in tax law to cover the uninsured, including a standard deduction (or tax credit) offset by proposed new laws that would make employer health benefits taxable. Whichever idea prevails, employers and consumers will likely be in for a big change.

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