Fiscal Watchdog Group Praises Health Care Exchanges
The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis has been analyzing aspects of the health care reform legislation, issuing a report today on Health Care Exchanges.
The Institute believes the exchanges will benefit Virginians and keep health insurance costs affordable.
McInerney: We'll really provide Virginians with more affordable health insurance options without discrimination based on health, that is, for pre-existing conditions.
John McInerney is one of the authors of the report. He’s the Institute’s health policy director.
McInerney: And overall, the bottom line is this: all citizens and legal residents in Virginia will be eligible to purchase coverage in the exchanges, and over 400 thousand uninsured Virginians will be eligible for subsidies on a sliding scale.
The exchanges will check for patient eligibility for Medicaid and other health care programs. Small businesses, with fewer than 100 employees, will have access to coverage for those workers.
McInerney: Fewer than 6% of Virginians get their insurance in the non-employer market, if coverage is even offered at all. The health insurance exchanges will be a welcome improvement on this.
John Ogle, WCVE News
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