Friday, 21 September 2007
Alaska Considers Universal Healthcare
The Alaskan Senate Health, Education, and Social Services Committee recently reviewed legislation that would bring universal healthcare to the state. The bill, sponsored by State Senator Hollis French, would require all residents buy health insurance. The state would subsidize plans for residents who couldn’t afford coverage.
A healthcare board would be created to monitor the subsidized plans and ensure private coverage meet state requirements. The board would also decide which medical services will be covered by the state-subsidized plan, according to the Anchorage Daily Times.
The legislation would also implement a sliding-scale voucher program. Financing for this program would come from state and federal sources, along with business employers and employees, contributing to the newly created Alaska Health Fund. The vouchers would allow residents to get insurance from a state-run market of plans, called the Alaska Healthcare Clearinghouse.
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