Politics, Process & Partisanship slow Health Insurance Reform in US
Health care reform has stalled following a recent shift in the U.S. political establishment, with the Republican party securing its 41st Senate seat following the special Massachusetts election to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy. This development is likely to draw a renewed focus on other domestic economic concerns. President Obama, in his January 27 State of the Union address indicated however that “he will not walk away” from the issue (health care reform) and is hopeful Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle can begin anew constructive dialogue on health care reform.
Should a reform bill emerge, it is yet unclear what affect it will have on coverage for foreign nationals traveling to the United States. According to Brian St. Hilaire, Senior Director Market Relations for Aetna Student Health Insurance, “the plan would have likely meant significant changes for U.S. students both in increased minimum levels of coverage and higher costs. Given that proposed legislation is meant to apply to U.S. citizens and tax payors, it is not likely reform would adversely impact foreign nationals.” Mr. St. Hilaire did mention that there was some speculation that the establishment of a standard level of benefits for Americans would have created some downward pressure for DOS to consider matching the domestic benefits requirement for its Exchange Visitor Program in order to protect American health care systems from uncompensated care costs.
Other thoughts on how health care reform may affect the exchange market are that future health insurance costs may become more predictable as medical inflation is tempered. It is also likely that Americans would become more aware of their insurance’s limitations abroad and be more prudent consumers of travel medical insurance.
