Federal Efforts
Federal policymakers have long considered and debated adoption of a public health insurance option. But there has been renewed interest in recent years as members of Congress have introduced various proposals and the White House has called on Congress to move forward with a federal public option. Congressional policies range from creating a wholly new public option plan to allowing individuals to “buy in” to public coverage programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
Here are just some of the resources you need to stay on top of current and future developments.
Public Option Legislation in Congress
Members of Congress continue to propose federal public health insurance options. For a closer look at these proposals, visit this blog from CHIR experts for the The Commonwealth Fund breaking down the main features of four bills from the 117th Congress that would establish new public option plans. Additional resources on legislative proposals can be found in our Federal Resources.
Committee Leaders Request Input on Designing A Public Option
In addition to existing public option proposals in Congress, the chairs of the influential Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pension and the House Committee on Energy & Commerce requested stakeholder input on how to design a federal public option. These leaders solicited feedback with the goal of informing a new proposal. Learn more about what stakeholders and experts told Congress in this blog from CHIR experts.
Featured Resource: The CBO on Design Considerations and Implications
In April 2021, the Congressional Budget Office released a report outlining key design questions and considerations for policymakers interested in pursuing a public option. This report highlights potential implications of a public option on federal outlays and revenues, premiums, and the uninsured rate. Learn more about these and other considerations in designing a public option.
Support for Federal Policymakers
Our experts are here to help policymakers consider and understand public option proposals. We work closely with federal leaders and staff to help identify, design, and discuss policies like a public option that promote affordability and contain costs. Learn more about how we can help support your policy goals.