We need health reform in the United States, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the law of the land. But is it designed for success? We think it needs some further refinement, and make suggestions how.

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I have been meeting with various groups to review and discuss the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In this presentation, I review the key elements and timelines associated with health reform. Specifically, I discuss the individual mandate, the employer mandate, and the various new regulations, subsidies, penalties and taxes associated with the ACA.

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There is a basic lack of understanding and confusion how a ‘Premium Support’ program under Medicare would work. This posting helps to clear up the matter.

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There is so much ‘noise’ in the debate over how to fix Medicare. This article defines the problem, and attempts to clarify the differences between the Republican approach and the Democratic approaches to solve the problem.

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Have you received a health insurance rebate check? Good news, right? No, because we have entered a vicious cycle of the 3 Rs of health reform: regulation, rebates, and rationing. It’s Christmas in July, and not a pretty picture.

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The Supreme Court has spoken, issuing its ruling yesterday (6/28/12) on the constitutionality of Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare), in a case called NFIB vs. Sebelius. The verdict is in—Obamacare is constitutional. What happens next? Proceed with caution.

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Given the possibility, or perhaps the likelihood, that Obamacare will be declared unconstitutional in total or in part, what happens next? Returning to the status quo prior to Obamacare is unacceptable, so I want to suggest an approach and request your reactions. Health exchanges, when operated well to promote competition, are a good thing. Instead of starting from scratch, why not consider using an existing exchange, the FEHBP?

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This blog captures some of the essential differences in healthcare spending and results in Israel compared to the United States, and what if possible through effective state by state reform of their healthcare systems.

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It’s 2012 and a Presidential election year, and health care in the United States remains a mess. Do I like Obamacare? No. Should it be repealed? Yes. But, let’s be clear and let’s be honest. Even if Obamacare never existed, EVERY STATE IN THESE UNITED STATES NEEDS A WELL-DESIGNED HEALTH EXCHANGE. And, if Obamacare is declared unconstitutional this summer, or it is repealed in total or in part in the future, the same is true — your state should have a Health Exchange. Why?

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Most people do not understand the role of the Individual Mandate in the reform of our healthcare system–the pros, cons, and legality of the mandate. We hope to put this issue to rest (though it may have to wait until the Supreme Court makes a final ruling).

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This posting is about the role of the Individual Mandate within a health exchange. What exactly does it accomplish and is it essential to the proper functioning of a health exchange? If it is not essential, then is it desirable from an economic and/or public policy perspective? Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

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I wanted to share with you an article that was published in the Philadelphia Business Journal on Jan. 7 called “Obamacare Needs Fixing”.  This is the short version that was prepare to fit into the available space of an Op-Ed column in the PBJ.

It is true that the devil is in the details.  [...]

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Medicare is a microcosm of the public vs. private debate about what is wrong (and what is right) with our health care system. Here is more information on how we can fix Medicare.

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We actually saw bi-partisan action to fix our healthcare system this week. But, it was NOT on Thursday, February 25, when President Obama convened Democrats and Republicans to discuss health reform. Real bi-partisan action took place the day before, on February 24.

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In January 2010, while speaking to GOP Congressman at a planning retreat, President Obama asked for ideas on how to improve health care without spending lots of money. Here’s one suggestion—we should fix Medicare Advantage NOW!!

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