By Jessica Zigmond
ModernHealthcare, Feb. 15, 2011
As federal lawmakers continue to debate the constitutionality, financing and implementation of the healthcare reform law, one House Democrat has introduced legislation calling for a universal health insurance program with single-payer financing.
Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) has sponsored the “Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act,” which would create a publicly financed, privately delivered healthcare system that expands the existing Medicare program to all U.S. residents and those living in U.S. territories. According to a summary from Conyers’ office, the legislation would negotiate reimbursement rates annually with physicians; allow for “global” budgets—described as monthly lump sums for operating expenses for hospitals—and negotiate prices for prescription drugs, medical supplies and equipment.
Also, the bill would establish a “Medicare for all Trust Fund” to ensure funding. Annual congressional appropriation would be authorized to ensure optimal funding levels, according to the summary.
Conyers has sponsored single-payer legislation in the past.
The physician group Physicians for a National Health Program praised the bill, as Dr. Garrett Adams, the organization’s president, said it “would go far beyond the new health law, which would still leave 23 million people uninsured in 2019.”
The bill has been referred to the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Natural Resources committees for consideration. Both the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees have been tasked with drafting legislation to replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Read more: Conyers continues push for single-payer system – Healthcare business news from Modern Healthcare http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20110215/NEWS/302159963#ixzz1E8ruKsC6?trk=tynt