With the 2020 presidential elections coming up on November 3rd of next year, many candidates are focusing their platforms on health insurance. With political parties choosing sides on many debates, it’s not surprising that health coverage has become one of them in the last few elections. With some Democrats supporting “Medicare for all” and some Republicans supporting the public option, it’s inevitable that politics has come to a gridlock, once again.
Connecticut Democratic Party logo
In this news article published on The Wall Street Journal, Joseph De Avila focuses on the fact that Democrats in Connecticut are proposing legislation focused on health insurance. In this proposition, health insurance could be brought through the state by small companies and individuals. Of course, this legislation has its ups and its downs. The Democrats in office are stating that through this proposition, more inexpensive coverage options are being offered for those who do not qualify for subsidies through the Affordable Care Act. In contrast, those opposing this legislation, such as certain representatives of the health insurance industry in the state, have pointed out that this legislation will negatively impact the market. They say this will happen since many medical services will be paid below market reimbursement rates and those with insurance through the state will have an advantage. In addition to this, the governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont (Democrat) has not commented on the legislation. However, a spokesperson representing him has stated that the governor wants to address the challenges of affordability, access, cost, and quality of insurances in Connecticut.
In addition to this article, I’ve included a screenshot of a data table that I found on a ballotpedia, a website I constantly go to in order to understand what is happening in politics today. This data table compares the total population without health insurance coverage in 4 states and the United States in 2013 and 2016. It also includes the difference in exact number and percentage. This table shows that the number of those who are uninsured has decreased throughout the entire country. This decline can be traced back to the influence of the Affordable Care Act, which has expanded eligibility for state Medicaid programs.
As I read this article, I made connections to what I have learned in class about what powers the state and federal governments have. The Democrats of Connecticut have the right to propose this legislation, due to the power that state governments hold. Since states are able to take measures for public health and safety, this action is constitutional. In addition, I kept in the mind the fact that the federal government is able to spend money for the general welfare. When it comes down to health insurance, I feel as though the federal and state governments should come together and propose ideas that can create effective and efficient health insurance plans for every citizen in the United States because living is a right.
“We make Connecticut small businesses competitive and more attractive to workers and we decrease the state’s healthcare cost for its own employees by increasing its buying power of its health plan. This is something that everyone regardless of party can get behind.”
Christine Cohen, Connecticut State Senator 12th District
Article: Connecticut democrats propose public health insurance option
Author: Joseph De Avila
Date of publication: March 7, 2019
Source: Wall Street Journal
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