It makes one wonder . . .

Several states have mandatory auto insurance laws, but that does not stop folks from driving without insurance. Nor does it make coverage more affordable. And some who have auto insurance are still inadequately covered.

Employers are, for the most part, required to carry Workers Comp. There are a few "loopholes" but most employers do carry such coverage. That does not make it any more affordable, but it is more prevalent than it would be otherwise.

Some states have also passed mandatory LTC coverage if you want to be considered eligible for Medicaid. In those areas, recipients are required to use their LTCI benefits to pay for most, if not all of the first 2 years in an ECF. After that the state Medicaid program will kick in.

Mandatory health insurance is a bit more of a challenge. There are already laws on the books requiring medical providers to treat emergency situations regardless of ability to pay. Will those laws be amended under Mr. Romney's proposal?

I am not sure mandatory health insurance will really solve the problem of people who feel they do not have to be accountable for pre-funding their health care. Maybe if the same approach as is used for LTC is taken, it might have some merit.
Bob | Homepage | 06.21.05 - 3:38 pm | #

I agree with giving this a chance, but it will be a bumpy ride. The two biggest stumbling blocks are the [1] presently able to afford insurance, but don't want to buy group; and [2] those with no insurance currently on Medicaid or with no coverage. The first group will be very reluctant to spend the extra cash needed to carry insurance, and there will be an army of attorneys available for the first time the state tries to garnish their wages to cover the costs of emergency care.

The second group will be given money under this plan that they will use to purchase insurance. For many, that will be a godsend. For others in this group, the responsibility of managing their own health insurance, with requirements such as going through PCPs, calling for preauthorizations, following certain rules of the plan, etc. will be impossible -- many in that population don't take to the idea of personal responsibility well.
Aggravated DocSurg | Homepage | 06.28.05 - 12:39 pm | #

Aggravated DocSurg,

I don't think that the plan contemplates getting rid of Medicaid.
Abby | Homepage | 06.28.05 - 2:47 pm | #

Howdy Folks!

Bob: As we've discussed, my big question is "Or else what?" If there are no teeth, then this is just more pablum for the media.

Doc: You make some interesting points. One correction: I do not believe that this would be a good idea. To the contrary, it is fraught with peril, and would mostly likely greatly inflate premiums in Mass.

Abby: Actually, Medicaid doesn't appear to have been addressed yet. Took a peek at the Mass DOI site as well as the Governor's, and there's absolutely nothing on this issue either place.

Interesting....
The_Prof | Homepage | 06.28.05 - 10:05 pm | #

Health Insurance Plan is indeed very necessary for all age group. In todays world, any one can get ill due to any kind of disease major or small, so it is a better option to decrease the medical cost by way of health insurance.
Health Point | Homepage | 07.02.08 - 9:59 am | #