NPR: FactWatch: Health Insurance

FactWatch: Health Insurance

From the speech:
"So I have proposed ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year."

Analysis:
Yes, but that will still put only a small dent in the number of uninsured in America. According to an analysis of the president's plan by the private Lewin Group, in 2009 the tax changes would have the number of uninsured by 9.2 million from a projected 48.4 million people. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the reduction in the uninsured at 6.8 million people. The changes might also require some people with generous employer-provided coverage to pay taxes on that insurance for the first time, a significant reason why Congress didn't want to take this proposal up last year when it was first offered.

- Julie Rovner

9:18 PM ET | 01-28-2008 | permalink

Comments

Why doesn't Bush realize that people who can't afford health care won't benefit from tax cuts?

Sent by Wyl | 9:23 PM ET | 01-28-2008

I wish he would have elaborated more on the HSA expansion. Right now HSAs are so difficult to qualify for it seems rather difficult to obtain them. Who really wants an HDHP? But most people would like an HSA. Why can't HSAs be more like IRAs?

Sent by Karl Miller | 9:31 PM ET | 01-28-2008

I agree with Wyl. A tax break wouldn't help me or many others afford a decent health plan. These cost over $200 a month for an individual. What we need is a tax credit for the price of a comprehensive plan. Credits for a catastrophic plan wouldn't make a difference, as many people can't afford the deductible, copays or 80/20 payment plans.

Sent by Temira | 9:47 PM ET | 01-28-2008

Why do they give a tax break on the plans in the first place? They are compensation from working, which should be income.

A tax credit of 1/3 the cost of a plan, or an actual fixed fee, now that is fair.

Not this current tax deduction based system that vastly tilts towards those who make 90K+ a year and work for large corporations with generous health plans.

Sent by Michael Langford | 1:55 PM ET | 02-05-2008

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

Tom Regan

Blogger

About Us

This year's election cycle has been one of the most exciting in memory. At the NPR News Blog we'll do our best to bring you interesting, informative -- and controversial -- stories from our own reporters and bloggers, as well as the rest of the best of the Internet and blogosphere. And we hope you'll let us know what you think as well.

Want to learn more? Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions and our discussion guidelines.