HEALTHCARE
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Part Five: The Problem of the "Uninsurable"
Editor's Note: The solutions we've presented so far address how to most efficiently provide health care to those of average health or better. We realize we have not solved the problem of paying for health care for those who are uninsurable. This final installment will look at some possible solutions to this problem.
Solution One: The Bar Association Approach
Most of us are familiar with the policy of the American Bar Association and most state bars that require each member to provide a certain amount of pro bono service. According to this approach, physicians, clinics and hospitals could be required by the private accreditation organizations to which they belong, to provide free care to those who are unable to pay for care, and/or care on a sliding scale for those who have limited ability to pay for care.
Solution Two: The Auto-Insurance Risk Pool Approach
Just as there is a "risk pool" in most states to which high risk drivers are assigned for auto insurance, there could be a risk pool for health insurance. Each insurance company or health service plan could agree to accept their share of high risk patients to receive the same benefits that other subscribers or policy holders enjoy from the same company or plan. This would aise the cost of coverage a certain amount but not dramatically, if the burden were to be shared equally by all.
Solution Three: Free Medical Care for Medical Research
Those with costly health conditions would benefit from participation in cutting edge and experimental new therapies and medications. Research centers and teaching hospitals would be willing to provide free care to sicker individuals in order to benefit from the data they would provide.
Solution Four: All of the Above
We suspect the solution for those we would describe as uninsurable is a combination of two or more of the above solutions in various situations.
Solution Five: The Indigent Care Plan
See point number ten in our proposed Health Care Reform Plan.
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To your health!
-jwh-