CQ's Carey Discusses President Bush's Health Care Coverage Expansion Proposal, Entitlement Program Commission, SCHIP Program Funding

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 31 Jan 2007 - 6:00 PST

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Mary Agnes Carey, associate editor of CQ HealthBeat, examines President Bush's proposal to expand health care coverage, legislation introduced that would establish a permanent entitlement commission and SCHIP program funding in this week's "Health on the Hill from kaisernetwork.org and CQ." According to Carey, Bush in his State of the Union address announced a proposal that would give tax deductions of $7,500 to individuals and $15,000 to families who purchase health insurance. The deductions would be extended to all Americans no matter if they purchase private health insurance or receive it through an employer. Proponents say it would create a level playing field for those who receive employer-sponsored health insurance and those who purchase private insurance. Opponents say it does not address the cost of health care and could encourage employers to stop offering coverage, Carey says. Carey also discusses legislation introduced by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) that would establish a 15-member bipartisan commission to address solvency of Medicare and Social Security. Carey says if approved, the commission would provide recommendations to Congress within one year and then every five years. The panel could recommend proposals to reduce costs or impose new taxes or fees, according to Carey. Finally, Carey discusses lawmakers' efforts to address funding shortfalls in SCHIP programs. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would provide funding for 14 states that are expected to have shortfalls, according to Carey. In addition, the Senate Finance Committee on Feb. 1 will begin a legislative effort to reauthorize SCHIP, which expires at the end of September. According to Carey, "Lawmakers in both parties have hailed SCHIP as a success and have said they hope to use the reauthorization process to strengthen and improve the program" (Carey, "Health on the Hill from kaisernetwork.org and CQ, 1/29).

The complete audio version of "Health on the Hill," transcript and resources for further research are available online at kaisernetwork.org.

"Reprinted with permission from http://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.