For Immediate Release
August 24, 2009
Contact: Tanja Clendinen
tanja@jamesmadison.org
(850) 383-4633
The Prognosis for National Health Insurance
JMI Releases White Paper Regarding the Impact on Florida
TALLAHASSEE – Health care currently comprises about one-sixth of the U.S. economy and given the aging population, that portion is likely to grow. Government involvement and investment continue to grow as well. In 1960, the private sector funded over 75% of the nation’s healthcare expenditures; however by 2007, less than 54% of total expenditures were paid by the private sector, with nearly 50% funded by federal and state governments.
Americans agree that reform is needed; however, hasty, poorly conceived reform can make matters much worse. “President Obama is correct when he says that ‘soaring health care costs make our current course unsustainable,’ but his plan will increase rather than decrease costs, and will either bankrupt governments or lead to the rationing of health care services.” -- Arduin, Laffer & Moore
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Given the state’s population, demographics and tax structure, Florida is especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of these current proposals. JMI addresses this issue in a new Backgrounder, “The Prognosis for National Health Insurance: A Florida Perspective,” prepared for the Institute by Arduin, Laffe & Moore Econometrics. The study looks at the root causes of this escalating crisis in the U.S. healthcare system, discusses problems with the current national health insurance proposals, and suggests ways to focus reform on immediate, measurable improvements in accessibility and affordability without jeopardizing quality, individual choice, and personalized care.
“The legislation now moving through Congress arguably violates a basic tenet of good
medical practice: ‘First, do no harm.’” -- Robert Sanchez, JMI Policy Director
This and other JMI publications are available on-line at www.jamesmadison.org. To comment or request a copy, contact Tanja Clendinen at 850.383.4633 (toll free 1.866.340.3131) or Tanja@jamesmadison.org.
