We are in the midst of a primary election in case you
haven’t heard. As we are healthcare leaders and professionals it is important
to be informed on health policy as it can directly affect our personal health
and professional future. So what do the candidates plan on doing if elected in
regards to health policy? Below is a short snapshot of what the various
candidates’ plan, if they have one, would look like. Many of the ‘health policy
plan’ facts are from the candidates’ websites; other information is pulled from
various sources in an attempt to pull together a bipartisan and someone
comprehensive picture of the candidate’s health policy ideas.
Ted Cruz (R): Proposed
the ‘Health Care Choices Act’ that would allow people to buy health insurance
across state lines. This bill would repeal Title I of ObamaCare undoing much of
that law including the mandate to buy insurance, insurance marketplaces and
subsidies.
Hillary Clinton (D):
Continue supporting ObamaCare or the Affordable Care Act and proposed
slowing the out of pocket costs. Continue the healthcare insurance exchanges
and encourage states to expand Medicaid.
Marco Rubio (R): Repeal
ObamaCare and replace with consumer-centered health reforms that expand
coverage and lower costs. Providing every American with an advanceable,
refundable tax credit that can be used to purchase insurance. Reduce health
care costs, promote innovation and ensure access for the most vulnerable.
Finally promote innovation in Medicaid program by giving states per-capita
block grants which preserves funding Medicaid’s unique populations.
Bernie Sanders (D):
Build upon ObamaCare but expand into universal health care federally
administrated. Build on the Medicare program. Make federal investments on
training health care providers. Separate health insurance from employment.
Donald Trump (R): Trumps
plan was not listed on his website and has received intense criticism for being
vague and not explaining how he will complete his plan. The information I did
find is listed as follows: Repeal Affordable Care Act. Allow sale of health
insurance across state lines. Health insurance premiums fully tax deductible.
Establish individual HSA. Require transparency from providers. Restructure
Medicaid to convert it to block grants run by the states. Remove barriers to
entry for international pharmaceutical companies.
I would encourage all, not just health policy leaders and
health professionals, to go to each candidate’s website and see how your view
of America’s health care future lines up with your candidate’s vision. I found
it a fascinating study in the various candidate’s tone and ideals for America.
Share Your Thoughts:
What do you think would be the best way to improve Health
Policy? What would you like healthcare to look like in America? How should
healthcare policy affect healthcare leadership on the micro and macro scale?
Thank you to Baylor University MBA in Healthcare for helping
their students stay informed and educated on health policy and encouraging them
to enhance the future of healthcare worldwide.
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