Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Health Care & Medicaid

The Heritage Foundation

Repeal Obamacare

This ill-conceived law adds trillions of dollars in government spending to a health care system that is already unaffordable. It also increases federal controls and imposes heavy costs on states, businesses, and households. The Heritage plan repeals Obamacare and replaces it with a consumer-centered health care system that America can afford.

A new tax credit for health insurance

The Heritage plan provides a tax credit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,500 for families - far more than under current law. This can supplement what your employer pays for your health insurance, or you can use it to buy insurance outside your workplace.

Direct assistance for lower-income workers

If your income is in the lower brackets, you receive premium support that allows you to get off Medicaid and buy better quality health insurance as those with higher incomes can do. Very low-income families with children receive additional assistance worth $5,500.

Tax-free savings for health needs

Under our plan, your savings for health care (or other purposes) no longer face double taxation. If you don't use all of your health credit or premium assistance for insurance, you can put the remainder in a special savings account with tax-free withdrawals.

A new Medicaid safety net

In 2014, the Heritage plan caps federal Medicaid spending at 2007 levels. States receive block grants and are given greater latitude to develop innovative ways to reduce costs and improve health care for the frail, elderly, and disabled. Based on agreed goals, this approach gives states the right incentive to pursue high-quality, innovative care.

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