S. 334 would provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage that will make Americans healthier and can never be taken away.
Detailed Summary
Healthy Americans Act - Requires each adult individual to have the opportunity to purchase a Healthy Americans Private Insurance Plan (HAPI). Makes individuals who are not enrolled in another specified health plan and who are not opposed to coverage for religious reasons responsible for enrolling themselves and their dependent children in a HAPI plan offered through their state of residence. Sets forth penalties for failure to enroll.
Establishes standardized coverage and state options for HAPI plans. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate guidelines concerning the benefits, items, and services to be covered. Sets forth requirements for setting premiums. Requires the Secretary to establish the Healthy America Advisory Committee to provide annual recommendations concerning modifications to the benefits, items, and services required.
Provides for school-based health centers.
Authorizes states to establish and operate a State Choices for Long-Term Care Program.
Requires the Secretary to establish Chronic Care Education Centers.
Requires states to establish or designate a state Health Help Agency to carry out the administration of HAPI plans and to promote prevention and wellness for residents.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require employers and individuals to each make shared responsibility payments for HAPI plan premiums.
Sets forth requirements for health insurance issuers offering a HAPI plan.
Establishes the Healthy Americans Public Health Trust Fund for the payment of: (1) premium subsidies; and (2) bonuses to states for implementing medical malpractice reform.
Terminates federal health benefits coverage, including coverage provided under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and the State Children's Health Insurance program (SCHIP).
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 1/18/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Larry Aldridge
Only an idiot would vote against this bill! It further reinforces my view that "no one is entitled to an opinion but everyone is entitled to an informed opinion"....
ottsville
This is a mandatory and I don't think you should be forced to do any thing! Like the plan but I don't like "YOU MUST DO" or else.
Mike M.
Problems: Mandates you get the coverage or be penalized, uses private insurance companies which benefit from the plan because it mandates you be covered (obviously, they will make quite a bit of money off this with all the new enrollees).. Also, the federal government indirectly pays for your coverage through your tax deductions (guess we will bankrupt government so insurance companies can bank off us instead).. Also, so the way I read it the insurance companies will be the holder of our medical records (no thanks).. Also, mandating coverage isn't that violating the 14th amendment of the constitution (liberty - freedom of choice)