Hopkins experts propose universal health care
Researchers visualize universal health care for Maryland
"This plan is a very thoughtful approach to solving the health care problem … Health insurance pools function more efficiently when they are large, and this plan proposes the largest and most inclusive approach," Bishai wrote.
Other aspects of the MDHCFA plan include the creation of the Maryland Institute of Clinical Value, which would promote both health awareness in the state and cost-effectiveness in the health care industry by giving incentives to hospitals that adopt electronic health records.
Another aspect is the implementation of the Catastrophic Reinsurance benefit that covers 75 percent of all the health care expenses over $35,000 for all residents.
The technical advisory committee of MCHI estimates that the proposed new health care system would cost the state over $15.5 billion in a five-year window.
Efforts to pay for the plan would include increases of the excise tax to $1.16 per gallon for beer, $2.96 per gallon for wine and $10.03 per gallon for spirits and liquors. State taxes for cigarettes would rise to $2.75 per pack.
MCHI also proposed a two-percent employer payroll tax on wages under the current FICA cap set to 102,000, starting in 2010.
The payroll tax would include all private employers in the state of Maryland and in local and state governments.
"Ensuring all residents have access to affordable [health] coverage requires the shared responsibilities between individuals, business, providers and government," according to the Report.
Over 150 organizations throughout Maryland have already endorsed the universal health care measure.
Other aspects of the MDHCFA plan include the creation of the Maryland Institute of Clinical Value, which would promote both health awareness in the state and cost-effectiveness in the health care industry by giving incentives to hospitals that adopt electronic health records.
Another aspect is the implementation of the Catastrophic Reinsurance benefit that covers 75 percent of all the health care expenses over $35,000 for all residents.
The technical advisory committee of MCHI estimates that the proposed new health care system would cost the state over $15.5 billion in a five-year window.
Efforts to pay for the plan would include increases of the excise tax to $1.16 per gallon for beer, $2.96 per gallon for wine and $10.03 per gallon for spirits and liquors. State taxes for cigarettes would rise to $2.75 per pack.
MCHI also proposed a two-percent employer payroll tax on wages under the current FICA cap set to 102,000, starting in 2010.
The payroll tax would include all private employers in the state of Maryland and in local and state governments.
"Ensuring all residents have access to affordable [health] coverage requires the shared responsibilities between individuals, business, providers and government," according to the Report.
Over 150 organizations throughout Maryland have already endorsed the universal health care measure.
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