Same Health Plan as Yours, Please: Part 2

Many have been waiting to hear details for a health care plan. It is in writing, but has yet to be discussed openly like during the debates and on the campaign trail. Even the mainstream media has yet to pick it up. Obviously, the economy and presidential candidates’ every appearance are more newsworthy.

The Obama-Biden health plan is “to provide affordable, accessible health care to all”. It is presented in nine pages (includes one and a half pages of references) on their campaign website. The new National Health Insurance Exchange is one of the highlights of the plan. The creation of this entity will help everyone, “Americans and businesses”, obtain private health insurance.

Insurance companies will be required to cover pre-existing conditions at affordable prices through the National Health Insurance Exchange, or through private health plans. The Exchange will provide comprehensive care like the health plan that covers Congress.

The FEHBP, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, is their health plan and that of many federal employees (wonder if that includes the president). Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP (children’s health plan) government funded health plans would continue to exist. In fact, Medicaid and SCHIP will be expanded. All children will be required to have health care coverage.

It is unclear to me (as I pointed out in my previous blog), why the Exchange is necessary if it is to be like the FEHBP. It seems highly logical to expand the FEHBP. Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP are being expanded. Will they be expanded to be as inclusive and comprehensive as the FEHBP? Furthermore, will the disparities implicated by being a Medicaid recipient be dismissed?

It sounds doubtful as mention of private insurance is still part of the plan. It would seem even more logical to make the National Health Insurance Exchange the FEHBP, or vice-versa. Members of Congress have been talking about making the FEHBP, their health plan, the health plan for the American people for many years.

“So close, yet so far away.”


Dr. J.L. Richardson is the author of the research paper, Building an American Health System, and the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.