Conclusion

Publication Date: March 2009

Publisher: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: White Paper

Abstract:

The set of proposals to cover the uninsured and the other work emerging from the Covering America Project have "stood the test of time." These proposals, prepared in the early part of this decade, are still very relevant to the current debate over health reform. In summarizing the conclusions and recommendations, both the authors and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation hope that policymakers will be helpfully guided by these blueprints as they develop new plans to cover the uninsured.

By bringing the proposals reflecting a wide range of professional opinion back for a "second life," we hope to make a positive contribution that will help rekindle interest in covering the uninsured. The severe stresses and strains in our economy are a vivid reminder that a growing number of Americans lack health coverage that is affordable and portable as they try to weather this economic storm. The evidence is compelling that covering the uninsured is good for both our populace and our economy. A range of workable reform models are available. What we need now is the political will to proceed.