Drew Altman
Drew Altman
health slow
a slow but perceptible deterioration of our employer-based (health insurance) system.
health insurance paying protection seems trouble
If health insurance was working properly, the sicker you are, the more protection you would have. It seems to be working backwards, the sicker you are, the more trouble you have paying bills.
achieved care fooled health history increase moderation rate seen temporary
Don't be fooled by the moderation we've seen this year. History has told us that when it comes to controlling health care costs, we've achieved some temporary successes, but the rate of increase always bounces back.
fooled moderation seen
Don't be fooled by the moderation we've seen this year,
answer critical figure mean question test web whether works
It's just too complicated for them to get it from a brochure, or a Web site, or to answer the critical question of, 'What does this mean for me?' ... Unfortunately, it's going to take a real world test for us to figure out whether this works or doesn't work.
change decide face fence financial later number penalties road stay turns
A substantial number of beneficiaries are already enrolled, but a lot turns on what those who are on the fence decide to do between now and May 15. If they stay out for now, some could face financial penalties down the road if they later change their mind.
coming money obstacles pay
The two obstacles are fundamental disagreements on how to do it and coming up with the money to pay the bill.
deal definitely good major problems solution
They (Bush's proposals) are potentially a good deal for many Americans. But they definitely are not the solution to the major problems we face.
dramatic expect impact increase rate
All these could have some impact at the margin, but I don't expect any to have a dramatic impact on the rate of increase overall.
coverage draining health hurt insurance steady workers
It is low-wage workers who are being hurt the most by the steady drip, drip, drip of coverage draining out of the employer-based health insurance system.
care cost families faster five health paying
The cost of health care is going up much faster than people's wages. Families are paying about (on average) $1,000 more now just for health care premiums than they were five years ago.
bad faster good growth last lower news rate slightly three
There is some good news, I suppose. The rate of growth is slightly lower than last year. The bad news is that's the only good news, because premiums are still going up three times faster than wages.