A set of tiered public plans will cover standard services and are expected to be up to 10% cheaper than comparable private insurance, thanks in part to savings from a cap on rates paid to providers. But unlike existing government-managed plans, Washington's public plans are set to be available to all residents regardless of income by 2021.
Lawmakers in at least eight other states including Colorado and New Mexico have proposed their own public option measures. But so far none have passed legislation implementing a public option. The cost cap is central to the program's long-term survival: Set it too high, and there will be no savings to pass along. Set it too low, and the state runs the risk of providers declining the plan, leaving it to whither as consumers seek alternatives that provide more choice, said Jennifer Tolbert, director of the Kaiser Foundation's state health care analysis program.
By comparison, Washington's higher pay rate for doctors is estimated to save participants only 5 to 10%, according to Jason McGill, Inslee's senior policy adviser on health. Instead, the measure directs state health care authorities to hire one or more private insurance companies: The state will determine the broad outlines of the public plans, but private companies will handle day-to-day administration, including enrolling patients and paying out claims.
Finally a reasonable solution to the ever-ballooning cost of healthcare that doesn’t involve coercion. OFFER an alternative with excellent rates and competitive coverage and watch the competition unfold. USE the American system instead of bypassing it.
Not good
This is what states rights are about. America, the great experiment. Fucking love it. Good luck Washington!
Insurance is such a dodge from the real issue: the cost of healthcare services. Nobody is trying to help with that. Our system suffers from restricted supply and an arcane medical billing system. Insurance rates would fall if the underlying costs of medical services fell.