Proposals to reform the U.S. health care system should have a strong federal framework, maintain the current employer-sponsored health insurance system and include a requirement that all residents obtain at least basic coverage, according to a report released on Monday by the American Benefits Council, CQ HealthBeat reports (Nylen, CQ HealthBeat, 1/12). The report includes about 40 policy recommendations for health care reform proposals (CongressDaily, 1/13).

Among other recommendations, the report cited the need for a strong federal framework to provide a consistent set of health insurance regulations for employers that operate in several states. The report also recommended:Preservation of the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act;

Improvements in the individual health insurance market that would help more residents obtain coverage;

A requirement for states to have at least one health insurer that offers a limited-benefit plan;

A premium assistance program for residents who cannot afford health insurance; and

A mechanism, such as default enrollment, to link residents with health insurance.The report does not recommend a requirement that employers offer health insurance to employees.

James Klein, president of the council, said, "We are a firm believer in employers providing coverage, but to take that one step further and require that every other employer provide coverage ... did not seem like the appropriate course to take." He added, "We think there would be a tremendous incentive for employers to provide some kind of coverage that helps employees to meet the legal obligation" (CQ HealthBeat, 1/12). The report is available online.

Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

© 2008 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.