Should IN Opt Out?
I blogged last week about how Indiana lawmakers are taking a wait and see approach to whether the state will opt out of the public option component being discussed in the national health care reform debate.
I understand the need to be cautious, but it’s my hope that Indiana will opt out of the public option because it really isn’t necessary.
Indiana already has several programs to insure the uninsured. Healthy Indiana insures adults 18-24. Hoosier Healthwise insures low-income families, pregnant woman and children. And there’s always Medicaid.
Instead forcing Indiana to participate in a national health care, the federal government should give the state more flexibility and more cash to expand its current programs. There are 25,000 people on the waiting list to join Healthy Indiana and state officials want to shorten that list by the end of the year.
With Hoosier Healthwise it’s estimated that 59% of the children who are eligible aren’t enrolled in the program. That’s something that can be fixed by more outreach and marketing.
Anyone who still isn’t covered, but can’t qualify for any of the other programs should be given a voucher to purchase private insurance.
It’s estimated 560,000 Hoosiers do not have insurance.
