Platform Papers Outlining Options for Reform
The ACR released The Future of Health Care in the United States in February 2009 outlining ACR priorities in health care reform.
Congress and the Obama Administration are committed to passing comprehensive health care reform in 2009. This Spring the Senate Finance Committee released three platform papers outlining options for reform.
- Transforming the Health Care Delivery System: Proposal to Improve Patient Access to Care and Reduce Health Care Costs ACR Comments
- Expanding Health Care Coverage: Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage to All Americans ACR Comments
- Financing Comprehensive Health Care Reform: Proposed Health Savings and Revenue Options
In The News
Industry groups pledge 2 trillion in health savings.
On May 11, President Obama announced that health-care companies and various related groups have pledged to slow projected spending growth by 1.5 percent a year over the next decade. Overall, this will lower U.S. medical costs by about 2.1 trillion dollars. These groups represent drug makers, health insurers, hospitals, labor representatives, medical device makers and physicians throughout the United States. The groups' commitment to reduce health care spending could result in a 20 percent reduction in the projected rate of increase by 2019. This move could save a family of four an annual average of $2,500 within five years. Under the current structure, health-care spending is set to rise at a rate of 6.2 percent in the next ten years. This pledge was endorsed by the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Advanced Medical Technology Association, America’s Insurance Plans and the Service Employees International Union.
