US lawmakers serious about Health policies
In a recent development, New Jersey lawmakers have decided to keep the wealthy out of health care programs for the poor. It was found in a recent State audit that people earning as much as $295,000 were enrolled in tax-payer funded health programs created for low-income people. The Assembly now requires the State to verify applicants’ incomes before letting them enjoy the benefits of the health schemes.
The bill which was cleared by the Senate Committees will now involve a mandatory submission of the applicants recent pay stubs from every employer and source of income. The applications will also be compared with State labor and income tax records. In another major development, a panel comprising of lawmakers and health experts considered a Commonwealth Fund proposal that would provide insurance to 44 million of the 48 million uninsured US residents.
Private as well as non profit health insurance is the mainstay of the American health care system. The ordinary American typically uses these for his health insurance needs. The United States Census Bureau claims that, approximately 27 percent of insured Americans receive their insurance through government agencies. A measly nine percent buy insurance directly while the majority of 60 percent get it through their employers. More than eighty percent, (84% to be precise) of Americans are insured (there is some overlap in these figures).
This proposal could therefore go a long way in balancing health insurance opportunities in the US. This plan also involves a complete overhaul of health information technology, public health and the health payment system. As to how far these plans will be successful in improving the life of the ordinary American citizen, remains to be seen.
