"The Misguided Quest for Universal Coverage"
Posted by benarmstrong on 4/10/2009 11:26:40 AM.
This policy was first proposed by Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review.
Level of Government: National
Status: Proposed

Abstract
Background:
Ramesh Ponnuru is a senior editor at the National Review and heralded conservative thinker.  In re healthcare reform, he has criticized the quest for universal coverage and has begun to outline alternative changes to the system that would similarly reduce costs without placing such a heavy burden on government effectiveness.
Purpose:
The chief purposes of Ponnuru's plan is to reduce the cost of healthcare and increase its portability.  If these goals are achieved, the plan argues that the number of insured Americans will increase.
Plans:
The plan offers two primary measures for the expansion of individual health insurance coverage and the maintenance of a market-based system. 
 
1) Eliminate the tax credit for purchasing employer-based health insurance and introduce a tax credit for individuals or families purchasing health insurance on their own.
 
2) Eliminate state policies that require health insurance plans to cover a variety of conditions.  Instead, offer direct subsidies to those with the specific uncovered conditions.
Resources:
Ponnuru does not outline the costs of such a plan, but does argue that it would cover another 20 million Americans.  The implementation of such reforms would require action at both the state and national levels.

Policy Details
The plan has no mandate.  It is fundamentally grounded in a philosophy of individual choice.  While it does seek to increase coverage, it argues that reduced costs will allow more individuals to access healthcare.  There may be unforeseen costs in a universal mandate, Ponnuru argues extensively.
The proposal will reduce the price of health care by minimizing the mandates on insurance plans -- particularly the mandates that require certain ailments to be covered.  The plan does not offer a clear reconfiguration of the risk-pooling system.
The plan proposes that individuals move away from acquiring health insurance through an employer-based system.  The ability for individuals to obtain their own healthcare, Ponnuru argues, ensures portaility and avoids fall-out from the impending collapse of the employer-based system.
Related Links
Ponnuru Op-Ed Outlining HC Policy (NYT): Ponnuru's editorial presents a critique of the campaign for universal coverage and offers a market-based alternative predicated on individual coverage.
Ezra Klein Critiques Ponnuru's Plan (The American Prospect): Ezra Klein argues that Ponnuru offers the conservative party-line and the best of the non-universal alternatives; however, he disputes Ponnuru's numbers and claims that his reforms will lead to less care and potentially higher costs.

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