Covering Iowa Politics, Statewide News
Iowa GOP officials offer health care plan based on tax incentives, cost-cutting policies
Posted on Sep 23, 2009 by charlotteeby.
DES MOINES – Iowa GOP lawmakers unveiled a proposal that includes an array of tax incentives and policies they say would reduce the number of Iowans without health insurance and drive down the cost of premiums.
Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, said the states can play a major role in health care reform and cannot wait for Washington to act.
Johnson said Iowa should encourage private insurers to offer affordable catastrophic health coverage to those between the ages of 18 and 30. That age group makes up about half of Iowa’s uninsured.
“It’s a very significant group that we as Republicans would like to offer lower-cost products through working with the insurance industry,” Johnson said.
Johnson also is behind a proposal requiring insurers to provide prevention credits for consumers who live healthier lifestyles, such as not smoking and watching their weight. He said these types of credits could save an average family around $1,600 per year in health insurance premiums.
“Healthy people should not subsidize unhealthy people. Healthy people actually ought to get … a cut in their premiums,” Johnson said.
Under the GOP plan, small businesses and individuals would qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax deduction for their health insurance costs, a benefit currently enjoyed by larger employers.
“Small businesses should have the same ability as large businesses; individuals should be able to capitalize on tax advantages as well,” said Rep. Linda Upmeyer, a Republican from Garner and nurse practitioner.
Republicans did not have an estimate of how much their tax incentives might cost the state, but argued it would be cheaper in the long run than adding people to a government-run plan.
Upmeyer touted a proposal for a “Patients Right to Know Act,” which would establish a statewide information hub allowing consumers to compare cost and quality of health care services online.
In addition, the proposal they released includes medical malpractice reforms that would raise the burden of proof for malpractice claims and place limits on damages.
Republicans also are pushing for a prohibition against denying coverage for pre-existing conditions when consumers change plans with the same insurance provider.
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn said Iowans who have turned out at health care town hall meetings wanted to express their concern about the possibility of a federal public health insurance option.
“Iowa Republicans believe market-based solutions with minimal state interference, not a massive federal takeover of the health-care delivery system, is the key to making health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Iowans,” Strawn said.
cc1091
23. Sep, 2009
It used to be that a news article would at least attempt to state something about an opposing point of view. At least a sentence to say that they asked for comment from an opposing view and if that person declined comment at the time.
I suggest the reporter look at the laws that govern insurance from inside the state, versus those services that are sold inside this state from a company outside the state. It would be just like the Repubs to unbind insurance from the requirements mandated by the interstate commerce laws.
tandog
23. Sep, 2009
These proposals are not good for working people with coverage and here’s why;
Quote: “Republicans also are pushing for a prohibition against denying coverage for pre-existing conditions when consumers change plans with the same insurance provider.”
There should be no denying coverage for pre-existing conditions even when switching plans due to job change or any reason. Even when it is not the same insurance provider why? From my own experience you may have to stay in a toxic job just to keep insurance as the medications and treatments for your children and spouse far exceed your income. Switching jobs shouldn’t bankrupt you.
end of part 1
tandog
23. Sep, 2009
Quote: “Johnson also is behind a proposal requiring insurers to provide prevention credits for consumers who live healthier lifestyles, such as not smoking and watching their weight. He said these types of credits could save an average family around $1,600 per year in health insurance premiums.
“Healthy people should not subsidize unhealthy people. Healthy people actually ought to get … a cut in their premiums,” Johnson said.”
People who live healthy life styles should get a break but excluding those born with chronic health conditions is wrong. They had no choice in being born that way. They didn’t get their condition from an unhealthy life style. It sounds like Mr. Johnson wants to insure only those who are healthy & don’t need coverage, which would be the best of all worlds for the insurance industries profits. I think he forgets that in order to keep costs down the risk has to be spread over a large group.
end of part 2
laurenD
24. Sep, 2009
My thoughts exactly.
tandog
23. Sep, 2009
Quote: “Under the GOP plan, small businesses and individuals would qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax deduction for their health insurance costs, a benefit currently enjoyed by larger employers”.
I agree with the part of this plan for small businesses. As a former businesses owner it was very difficult to offer health insurance to workers due to the cost. But for individuals it should only apply to the self employed as all businesses would drop health coverage if individuals were allowed to take the deduction. Using this plan laid out by the GOP businesses could drop all coverage to save money as they could claim that each individual was now getting a tax credit and therefore the businesses is no longer responsible for their employee’s health care. But under the same GOP plan you could be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Once again the worker loses.
end of part 3
tandog
23. Sep, 2009
As far as I’m concerned neither side in this issue have spoken to the people “down in the trenches” about health care. Both sides have no idea what is going on for those who work, pay outrageous insurance premiums, pay more than a house payment every month for non-covered expenses and still are denied coverage or are threatened with the cancelation of coverage on an annual basis.
These proposals will not make health insurance more affordable and accessible for all Iowans. And the key word is all Iowans.
Republicans need to go back to the drawing board on this one as its no better that the Democrats plan…
laurenD
24. Sep, 2009
“It’s a very significant group that we as Republicans would like to offer lower-cost products through working with the insurance industry,” Johnson said.
Why are they going to reduce their premiums. The GOP is gonna ask them real nice and then they are gonna do it? Yeah right. They don't want to reduce their profits.
On a lighter note did anyone else hear. They found a vaccine for AIDS last night. Only works 1/3 of the time. But it's a start.
laurenD
24. Sep, 2009
“It’s a very significant group that we as Republicans would like to offer lower-cost products through working with the insurance industry,” Johnson said.
Why would the health insurance companies reduce their premiums? The GOP is gonna ask them real nice and then they are gonna do it? Yeah right. They don't want to reduce their profits.
On a lighter note did anyone else hear. They found a vaccine for AIDS last night. Only works 1/3 of the time. But it's a start.