CAHI's Eight-Point Plan: An American Solution

CAHI is convinced that the best approach to the problems in our system is to maximize the individual’s freedom of choice and to promote a robust competitive market. Any solution which is proposed must be measured on the basis of how well it addresses three interlocking aspects of health care - quality, availability, and affordability.

CAHI supports reform initiatives that enable the concepts which have always been the strength of our country -- individual freedom and responsibility; a free market for goods, services, and ideas; a robust competitive environment; and government involvement designed to protect those who are incapable of caring for their own needs. Our program consists of eight points and is outlined below.

• Tax Fairness. Current tax policy should be modified to treat coverage that is paid directly by individuals in the same way that employer-purchased health insurance is currently treated.
• Personal Responsibility. Medical savings accounts that allow for the accumulation of funds to pay for future medical costs should be made available to all segments of the population.
• Guaranteed Access. A system of state-based pools or a national pool for the uninsurable should be established. There should also be opportunities to maintain continuous coverage.
• Premium and Pricing. Reasonable regulation of insurance rates should be established.
• Liability and Responsibility. Sensible provisions for medical malpractice awards need to be developed, while the system of peer review and professional discipline of negligent physicians should be improved.
• Disclosure. In order to make wise and appropriate health care decisions, patients should be informed of the cost of their treatment in advance and have a stake in paying for it. Then they will act in the same manner as they would for purchasing any good or service -- they will shop for the best service at a price determined to be reasonable.
• Education. Consumer education is essential to an efficient, effective health care system. Patients should be well-informed regarding their health benefits options, treatment alternatives, differences in quality of services, and the importance of personal behavior on health.
• Mandated Benefits. Consumers should be able to choose insurance coverage that meets their needs from a variety of affordable health plans, rather than being forced to purchase benefits dictated by the political system.

This country’s challenge is to develop solutions which will address the real problems in the current health care delivery and financing system instead of aggravating them. CAHI’s goal is to communicate alternatives to increased government intrusion into and destruction of the health care market. Solutions which build on the concept of a free market economy will best meet the needs of all Americans.

For more information, please contact:

The Council for Affordable Health Insurance
112 S. West Street, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
mail@cahi.org