tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181810725696409953.post8009893497838840349..comments2024-03-17T04:20:11.083-04:00Comments on The Population Health Blog: NEJM Insights on the Republican and Democratic Health Reform Proposals: Where They Agree and Where They Don'tJaan Sidorovhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05072456803925863874noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181810725696409953.post-26125666904708429092011-05-02T19:13:06.340-04:002011-05-02T19:13:06.340-04:00penalties (if you assume loss of tax credits quali...<i>penalties (if you assume loss of tax credits qualifies as a penalty) for those who don't purchase insurance</i><br /><br />There is a key difference here. For the ACA it is a "must" and the difficulties lie in constitutionality (TBD) and enforcement.<br /><br />With the loss of a tax credit, this is not getting a benefit related to a choice. That would theoretically eliminate the moral hazard of paying the lower cost penalty versus the higher cost premium.<br /><br />Of course, gaming of the latter system could involve buying insurance for tax purposes and then not paying premiums after tax season. (I believe Mass has seen some of those problems)<br /><br />More devilish detailsPhil 314https://www.blogger.com/profile/04133300763922742206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9181810725696409953.post-16362135445059874172011-05-02T18:51:44.251-04:002011-05-02T18:51:44.251-04:00Great summary. I would add that an underlying ass...Great summary. I would add that an underlying assumption difference is that government can control costs/reduce overall health care spending vs consumers/market can reduce overall spending.<br /><br />Of course those who favor the former view will use terms such as "health care right", "government will protect", "safety net". Those who favor the latter will use terms like "consumer choice", "freedom" etc.Phil 314https://www.blogger.com/profile/04133300763922742206noreply@blogger.com