Health Care.
Ensures universal access to affordable health insurance by restructuring the taxcode, allowing all Americans to secure an affordable health plan that best suits their needs, and shifts the ownership of health coverage away from the government and employers to individuals.
Provides a refundable tax credit – $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families – to purchase coverage in any State, and keep it with them if they move or change jobs.
Establishes transparency in health care price and quality data, so this critical informationis readily available before someone needs health services.
Modernizes Medicaid and strengthens the health care safety net by reforming high-risk pools, giving States maximum flexibility to tailor Medicaid programs to the specific needs of their populations. Allows Medicaid recipients to take part in the same variety of options and high-quality care available to everyone through the tax credit option.
Medicare. Transitions the program to allow beneficiaries to choose the most affordable coverage
to suit their needs.
Preserves the existing Medicare program for those 55 or older.
For those currently under 55 – as they become Medicare-eligible – creates a Medicare payment of up to $9,500. This payment is adjusted for inflation and based on income, with low-income individuals receiving greater support. It is also risk-adjusted, so those with greater medical needs receive a higher payment.
Establishes and fully funds medical savings accounts [MSAs] for low-income beneficiaries, while continuing to allow all beneficiaries, regardless of income, to set up tax-free MSAs.
Makes Medicare permanently solvent, based on consultation with the Office of the Actuary of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
