Public Option
Even before the pandemic, too many people struggled to afford their health care costs or went without care altogether.
Small businesses have struggled to provide their employees with affordable private insurance and gig/contract workers remain on their own to find coverage. A public health insurance option is an emerging solution that would create a high quality, dependable, more affordable option for health insurance.
Why Public Option is a Priority
Advancing solutions that make health care coverage more dependable and affordable is central to USofCare’s vision for the future of health care.
Getting the health coverage that people need has become too expensive for too many Americans and as a result it is one of the top reasons Americans go into debt and file for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the health care industry and insurance companies are posting record profits by setting prices that are out of reach for individuals and families, particularly if they are not provided affordable health coverage from their employer.
A public health insurance option, often called a “public option” is an emerging solution that would create a high quality, dependable, more affordable option for health insurance.
It is a government-regulated insurance plan that is often privately-run and made available to individuals, small businesses, and/or other entities, like nonprofit organizations. It increases competition and gives both businesses and individuals the freedom to choose a health insurance plan that’s more affordable and dependable. A public health insurance option allows the state or federal government to ensure that prices are reasonable, while benefits and care remain high-quality. Those who choose to participate in a public option plan would pay premiums, just as they would with a traditional private plan, without the inflated overhead and administrative costs of private insurers. Those who like their current health insurance plan would be able to keep it, and would not pay anything additional for their care.
Our Approach
USofCare is running a multi-state strategy to expand coverage through state-created public option policies. We are actively partnering with advocates in Colorado, Connecticut and Nevada to advance a public option in each of those states. This work includes:
- Providing technical assistance on policy development
- Helping establish or expand local coalitions
- Providing localized public opinion research and messaging support, among other items
Public Option Updates
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March 27, 2024News & Updates, Public Option, State Efforts
The Colorado Option Advances Equitable Access to Health Care Through Implementation of Culturally Responsive Provider Networks
Since the Colorado Option was signed into law in June 2021, United States of Care has worked to with in-state…
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June 1, 2023News & Updates, Public Option, Research
State Public Health Insurance Options: A Comparison
Access to health care is a necessary component of keeping our nation healthy, and people see health care as a top priority for elected officials. View USofCare’s comparisons of state public health insurance options.
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May 19, 2023Health Care Costs, News & Updates, Oregon, Public Option, Resources, State Efforts
USofCare Highlights Innovative Opportunities for States to Use 1332 Waivers to Promote Affordability
As an organization dedicated to a more affordable, accessible, and equitable health care system, United States of Care closely monitors state efforts to pursue innovative policy actions to promote affordability.
Explore Our Other Priorities
We prioritize improvements informed by our desired outcomes that will build the health care system people want.
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