Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 7, 1990 TAG: 9003071957
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The AMA's 16-point plan also would create state risk pools to provide group insurance policies for the medically uninsurable, small businesses and others unable to afford coverage under the current system.
The plan would cost about $60 billion, the AMA said, but it did not suggest where the money should come from.
The physicians' group said its proposals are aimed at offering health-care coverage to all Americans, regardless of income, and preserving patients' freedom to choose their health-care provider.
The AMA's proposal is similar to a $66 billion plan recommended last week by the U.S. Bipartisan Commission on Comprehensive Health Care, known as the Pepper Commission for its first chairman, the late Rep. Claude Pepper, D-Fla.
Both proposals are aimed at closing the gaps in the health-care system.
The nation's health-care bill is expected to reach $600 billion this year, more than 11 percent of the gross national product. Yet more than 33 million Americans lack health insurance.
Other highlights of the AMA plan include:
Expanding private sector coverage of long-term care with tax incentives.
Revising medical malpractice laws to reduce liability insurance costs for physicians and the practice of defensive medicine, such as ordering tests and procedures that otherwise might not be ordered.
Establishing state risk pools to make coverage available for the medically uninsurable and for others for whom individual health insurance policies are too expensive and group coverage is not available.
by CNB