AmeriCare-Choice

Setting a Course Toward Universal Health Care

Bobby Peterson, ABC for HealthJune 2009

What is AmeriCare-Choice?

• Comprehensive health reform plan

• Affordable coverage to all Americans

• Builds on the strength of public & private interests

What is AmeriCare-Choice?

• Large-scale pooling

• Public/private partnerships

• Accountability & Consumer protections

• Patient Advocacy and Outreach

AmeriCare-Choice Highlights:

• Builds from the existing Medicaid structure

• Expands eligibility to 300% FPL

• Offers buy-in option for employers and individuals.

AmeriCare-Choice Highlights:

• Creates broad risk pools instead of hundreds of small risk “puddles”

• Greater purchasing power = better benefits

• Streamlined administration cuts costs

Financing AmeriCare-Choice:

• Combine government, private and consumer dollars.

• Private health insurance companies compete for business with the states

• Employers and individuals pay premiums and cost-sharing

AmeriCare-Choice: Protecting Consumers

• Maintains due process rights

• Health Benefits Counselors assist in appeals, hearings, legal action

• Federal/State oversight system stays in place

• Local HealthWatch Coalitions add local focus, emphasize key issues

Why AmeriCare-Choice?

• AmeriCare-Choice builds on what works

• Eliminates need for enormous front-end costs

• No employer mandates—join by incentive

Why AmeriCare-Choice?

• Avoids political battles over benefits

• Follows ideal of progressive incrementalism

• Preserves consumer choice, cut costs and expands coverage.

Questions?

ABC for Health, Inc.

32 N. Bassett Street

Madison, WI 53703

(608)261-6939 ext 201

Contact: Bobby Peterson

AmeriCare-Choice

Setting a Course Toward Universal Health Care