Publications -- Health

Sep 24, 2009

ST #323 – Applying the Lessons of State Health Reform

Lack of health insurance is a significant, persistent problem in New Jersey. In 2007, more than 1.3 million residents were uninsured - three-fourths were working-age adults 19 to 64 years old. About 15.6 percent of New Jersey residents are uninsured, which is close to the national average, and the U.S. Census Bureau recently ranked New Jersey 34th among states in the percentage of residents with insurance coverage.

Sep 11, 2009

BA #676 – Crisis of the Uninsured: 2009

One of the primary goals of health reform is to ensure that all Americans have health insurance. Yet it is generally overlooked that the proportion of Americans without health coverage has been relatively stable over time.  According to the Census Bureau, in 2008 the number of individuals in the United States lacking health coverage rose from 45.7 million to 46.3 million.  The proportion of uninsured Americans remained virtually unchanged, rising from 15.3 percent to 15.4 percent.

Jul 30, 2009

BA #669 – 10 Steps to Free Our Health Care System

To confront America's health care crisis, we do not need more spending, more regulations or more bureaucracy.  We do need to liberate every American, including every doctor and every patient, to use their intelligence, creativity and innovative abilities to make the changes needed to create access to low-cost, high-quality health care.

Jul 29, 2009

BA #668 – Can Health Reform Save Money?*

Health care spending per person varies widely across the country, but greater spending does not appear to produce better quality.  A natural inference is that some areas of the country are less efficient in the use of health care resources.

Jul 28, 2009

BA #667 – Three Lessons from Massachusetts

The Massachusetts experiment in health care reform offers many lessons that are applicable to the current debate in Congress. The goals of the Massachusetts plan are similar to proposals supported by Democratic congressional leaders and the Obama administration: universal health insurance coverage through greater access to health insurance.

May 28, 2009

BA #660 – Health Care Costs During Retirement

Many people assume Medicare will cover most of their health care costs when they retire, and that Medicaid, the health care program for the poor, will cover them if they need nursing home care.  However, neither program guarantees a low-cost ride through retirement.

Apr 29, 2009

BA #655 – What's Behind Vaccine Shortages?

Since their introduction, vaccines have served as a cornerstone of public health in the United States and abroad.  Vaccinating large numbers of people, especially children, has proven to be one of the most cost-effective options for enhancing and preserving life.

Apr 23, 2009

BA #654 – Health Care Spending Forecasts

Congress and President Obama appear intent on pursuing two conflicting goals for public and private health care: reining in rising costs while also increasing spending in order to expand insurance coverage to more people.

Apr 14, 2009

BA #653 – 10 Ways to Keep Health Coverage if You Lose Your Job

A layoff does not have to involve losing your health coverage.  Although there is no need to panic, you should not put off taking action.  Here are 10 options to consider as soon as possible after getting pink-slipped.

Apr 09, 2009

BA #652 – The Folly of Health Insurance Mandates

Many of the nearly 46 million uninsured say they are unable to afford health insurance. Advocates of various state regulations claim their proposals would make health coverage more affordable. These regulations include mandates that employers offer their employees health insurance or that individuals obtain health coverage, and requirements that health plans and insurers cover specified benefits or accept anyone who applies for insurance.