Insurance Reform in a Voluntary System: Implications for the Sick, the Well, and Universal Health Care

doi:10.1059/0003-4819-125-3-199608010-00015

Insurance Reform in a Voluntary System: Implications for the Sick, the Well, and Universal Health Care

American College of Physicians*

*This paper was written by Kathleen M. Haddad, MS, and was developed for the Health and Public Policy Committee of the American College of Physicians: Whitney Addington, MD, chair; Robert A. Berenson, MD, vice-chair; Philip D. Bertram, MD; Philip Altus, MD; Angela McLean, MD; Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, MD; William M. Fogarty, MD; David J. Gullen, MD; Nancy E. Gary, MD; Derrick L. Latos, MD; Janice Herbert-Carter, MD; James Webster Jr., MD; and Richard Honsiger Jr., MD. Approved by the Board of Regents on 14 July 1995. Requests for Reprints: Kathleen M. Haddad, MS, 700 13th Street, NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005.

Abstract

In the absence of universal coverage, carefully designed insurance reforms can make health insurance in the individual and small-group markets more affordable for those who need it most—the sick—and more secure for all subscribers. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians calls for specific strong reforms at both the state and federal levels. Substantial reform of the insurance marketplace is a necessary step toward achieving universal coverage. It should reflect the view that providing quality health care is in the best interests of the community and that health care financing should be a community responsibility.