Federal funding would be allocated to states in order to increase the number of school clinics and expand the range of services they offer. Particular attention would be given to areas that currently lack sufficient healthcare services.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The goal is to ensure that all Americans have access to healthcare by the end of 1997. Employers would be required to cover 80 percent of the cost of their employees’ healthcare. Doctors, hospitals, and clinics would need to form "healthcare networks" that would compete with each other to provide services while keeping costs low. States would establish independent state agencies or nonprofit corporations called "regional healthcare alliances." These alliances would consist of most businesses, school districts, government agencies, self-employed individuals, and others. Most Americans would obtain healthcare coverage through these regional alliances, which would negotiate the cost of services with healthcare networks and insurers. The alliances would oversee the establishment of networks, monitor their quality and cost-effectiveness, and share their findings with the public. Each alliance must offer at least one "fee for service” plan. Companies with 5,000 or more employees could choose to create their own "corporate alliances." A National Health Board appointed by the President would oversee the regional alliances and set systemwide regulations. No one would be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Individuals who changed jobs would still be covered under their existing plan. Employers would not be allowed to drop coverage for employees’ dependents due to cost. Every healthcare network would be required to provide a standard benefits package at the same cost for everyone.
STANDARD BENEFITS PACKAGE
The standard benefits offered would cover most services currently included in traditional private health plans. This includes immunizations for eight diseases for infants, family-planning and pregnancy-related services, preventive dental services and eye exams for children under 18, health education classes for stress management and nutritional counseling, and mental health services including treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.
FUNDING
The estimated cost to launch the program is $700 billion over five years. To partially offset these costs, Medicaid and Medicare expenditures would be regulated. Additionally, higher taxes on tobacco have been proposed.
SCHOOL CLINICS
Federal grants would be provided to states with the aim of increasing the number of school clinics and expanding the range of services they offer. Particular attention would be given to regions that currently lack sufficient healthcare services. These clinics would have the capability to offer mental health and family-planning services, as well as immunizations. All healthcare plans would automatically cover services provided by school clinics.
HEALTH EDUCATION
Federal grants would be given to states for school-based health education programs targeted at adolescents and adults. Particular emphasis would be placed on sex education and AIDS prevention programs, as well as other initiatives aimed at reducing risky behavior.
MEDICAID
The federal government would cover premiums for poor and disabled individuals who are unemployed. This funding could be utilized to pay for services provided at school-based clinics.
RURAL HEALTH
Federal funding would be provided to support the establishment of healthcare networks in rural communities. Additionally, new "academic health centers" would be developed to promote healthcare education efforts in rural areas.
STUDENT COVERAGE
Dependent students attending boarding schools or college would be covered under their parents’ plans or have the option to join regional health alliances specific to the location of their school.
