New IPI publication outlines effective healthcare reform plan

President Obama's call during the State of the Union address for a better approach to health care reform is answered today with the release of a new publication from the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) entitled, "Health Care Reform: What Now?"

IPI Director of Entitlement and Budget Policy and author of the report Peter Ferrara outlines an effective health care reform plan to decrease premiums, cover the uninsured, reduce the deficit, bolster Medicaid for seniors and put an end to insurance company abuses—all without permitting a government takeover of health care, or rationing of care.

Ferrara's plan urges policymakers to:

• Cover the uninsured by establishing a clear safety net;
• Reform Medicaid through a two-step process of issuing vouchers to help the poor purchase insurance, and providing block grants to the states;
• Guarantee access for those with pre-existing conditions through state high risk pools;
• Boost competition among insurers by allowing health policies to be sold across state lines;
• Reduce costs with medical malpractice reform; and
• Rein in spending with consumer driven health plans.

Additionally, Ferrara cautions policymakers against igniting grassroots resistance by adopting any proposal that may lead to health care rationing.

"Any new reform proposals will be closely monitored by grassroots watchdogs who will likely raise alarms if they are included," said Ferrara.  

Ferrara warns Americans will never be safe from the threat of government-run health care unless a clear safety net is established to ensure no one is denied essential care.

"Only that will permanently protect the health care of the American people from government takeover and control," said Ferrara.

SOURCE Institute for Policy Innovation