Other Investments

Other investments that are going to be addressed in "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009" are making improvements to the Medicare program, reform Graduate Medical Education, support the training of health professionals, provide grants to state health departments, and study the feasibility of adjusting the poverty level.

There are several actions that need to be done to improve the Medicare program. First, the sustainable growth rate for physicians need to be reformed by creating incentive payments for primary care. Second, the Medicare Part D coverage gap needs to be eliminated. This will require drug manufacturers to discount brand-name prescriptions. Thirdly, the asset test for Medicare Savings Program and Part D Low-Income Subsidies will need to be increased. And lastly, the cost-sharing for preventative services will be eliminated.

Kristen Reid

Information cited from:
Kaiser Family Foundation (October 15, 2009). Health Care Reform Proposals. Retrieved from http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/healthreform_tri_full.pdf.