First Comprehensive Health Reform Bill introduced in the 111th Congress

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the first comprehensive health reform legislation, the “Healthy American Act of 2009” (S. 391) on Friday, February 6, 2009. This legislation guarantees portable, affordable, high-quality private healthcare for every American.

While this legislation has bipartisan support, it is not likely to pass as introduced, and is only the beginning of many approches to ensure health coverage to all.

The proposed legislation will no longer tie health insurance to employers: individuals will keep coverage if they change employment, leave a job, get laid off or develop a serious illness. To achieve this, companies will no longer purchase health insurance for their employees, salaries will be increased to cover the health care premium and employees will be required to purchase affordable healthcare insurance with their higher wages.

State-based Health Help Agencies will be created to assist individuals purchasing healthcare coverage by providing unbiased information about various competing private health care plans, and by helping with the enrollment process.

This plan will also reform the health insurance market: insurers will be required to insure every American who choose to enroll and will be prohibited from raising prices or denying coverage if individuals are sick or are at risk of becoming sick. The Healthy Americans Act focuses on preventive care, providing insurance companies with an incentive to keep their subscribers healthy. For example, individuals would not be charged co-pays for preventive services or chronic disease management.

As of Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 12 senators co-sponsored the proposed legislation:

• Daniel Inouye (D-HI)
• Arlen Specter (R-PA)
• Joe Lieberman (I-CT)
• Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
• Mike Crapo (R-ID)
• Bill Nelson (D-FL)
• Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
• Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
• Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
• Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
• Lindsey Graham (R- SC)
• Robert Bennett (R-UT)