More States Are Eyeing Public Options, But The Model Comes With Its Own Set Of Problems
Modern Healthcare takes a look at the nuances and complexities states will have to deal with as they move toward public options.
Shelley and Dale Kaup are the type of people governors and lawmakers in states across the country have in mind as they push to establish a public health plan option to compete with private insurers. The Kaups, who are in their 50s and run a small engineering business, live in Glenwood Springs, Colo. That鈥檚 in the rural, western part of the state, which has some of the nation鈥檚 highest individual-market premiums due to lack of competition among insurers and providers. (Meyer, 6/1)
While Washington state prepares to roll out public plans run by private insurers, at least three other states are on the way to developing their own, distinctive public-option models. Colorado is considering a wide range of possible vehicles for a public plan. Connecticut is eyeing creation next year of a new 鈥淐onnecticut Option鈥 plan for individuals and small businesses. New Mexico seeks to let people who don鈥檛 qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies buy into Medicaid. (Meyer, 6/1)
