The following is from a summary of draft legislation from several committees in the House of Representatives. Do you see anything that will help control your health care costs and the rate of increase in health care spending? No, that is not a trick question; it is a reflection of the (perhaps intentional) political view on what it takes to get health care legislation fast at almost any cost. While one would have to admit these are noble goals, they in fact increase health care spending overall. Keep in mind that the goal for universal coverage means a growing utilization of health care services and if we do not make fundamental changes in the COST of each those services (not premiums, not insurance, not cost shifting) and the frequency of utilization, we have not solved a problem, but rather created a larger one.
Ensuring Affordability and Access: • Includes sliding scale affordability credits in the Exchange to support individuals and families with incomes between Medicaid eligibility levels and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL); (NOTE: The average cost of family coverage today is 14% of a family’s income at 400% of poverty.) • Expands Medicaid for the most vulnerable, low-income populations and improves payment rates to enhance access to primary care under Medicaid; and • Caps total out-of-pocket spending in all new policies to prevent bankruptcies from medical expenses. ke fundamental changes in the COST of each those services (not premiums, not insurance, not cost shifting) and the frequency of utilization, we have not solved a problem, but rather created a larger one. Ensuring Affordability and Access: • Includes sliding scale affordability credits in the Exchange to support individuals and families with incomes between Medicaid eligibility levels and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL); (NOTE: The average cost of family coverage today is 14% of a family’s income at 400% of poverty.) • Expands Medicaid for the most vulnerable, low-income populations and improves payment rates to enhance access to primary care under Medicaid; and • Caps total out-of-pocket spending in all new policies to prevent bankruptcies from medical expenses.
We can’t control what others do and we can’t stop misfortune from striking. But we can control our own actions. Those who are financially prudent will most likely enjoy success, even if events don’t always go their way.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
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