The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society Med Journal April 2020 | Page 7

THE PURCHASING POWER OF MANY M edicare For All” has become one of the most popular topics in American politics. Notably, when I have asked most of my resident physicians (who will be significantly impacted by its mandates), I have discovered a dearth of understanding of this topic. Given the potential ramifications of this program for changing the American health care landscape, I believe a re- view of its significant provisions is beneficial for all physicians. Medicare as we know it now was established in 1965, primarily as universal health care for people over 65 years age. In 1972, Medicare coverage was extended to persons with dis- abilities. Medicare For All is not Medicare as we currently understand the program. Currently, there are two competing models of the Medi- care For All program in the 116th Congress, House Resolution 1384 and Senate Bill 1129. Both HR 1384 and SB 1120 establish a national health insurance program that is administered by the Department of Health and Human Ser- vices (HHS). Both programs provide insurance for all U.S. residents; specify automatic enroll- ment of individuals upon birth or residency in the U.S.; and cover comprehensive health care including hospital services, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, dental and vision services, abortion, and home and community long-term care. Senate Bill 1129 specifies that state Medicaid programs must cover certain institutional long-term care services. Both bills prohibit cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments and other charges for covered services) but SB 1129 allows co-payments for prescription drugs up to $200 annually for households with incomes >200% of the federal poverty limit. Both bills mandate that private health insur- ers and employers may only offer coverage that is supplemental to, and not duplicative of, benefits provided under the Medicare For All program. Under each bill, all health insurance exchanges and certain specified federal health programs terminate upon Medicare For All pro- gram implementation – the exception being coverage provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Indian Health Service. HR 1384 calls for transitioning to Medicare For All over a two-year period: individuals <18 years age or >55 years age or already enrolled SAVES YOU MONEY! WITH NO COST OR OBILIGATION TO YOU • GOT 2 MINUTES? You can join Buygility on our website from your smartphone!  Go to www.buygility.com  Click JOIN NOW  Enter your contact information • That’s it! Volume 116 • Number 10 Group Purchasing Made Easy! FAST and FREE to JOIN and Use buygility.com 501-400-6765 [email protected] April 2020 • 223