Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM)
This page was last updated on April 17, 2007. For the most up-to-date information regarding Governor Bill Richardson's healthcare reform proposal, visit www.richardsonforpresident.com.The following summary was derived from information released by the office of Governor Bill Richardson:
Governor Bill Richardson's proposal is based on the following three components:
1. Open up existing sources of affordable, portable coverage to more Americans:
- All Americans and businesses would be able to purchase coverage through the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan
- Americans 55 and older would be able to purchase coverage through Medicare.
- Seniors and persons with disabilities would receive all of their care through Medicare.
- Lower-income Americans would be able to purchase coverage through Medicaid and State Child Health Insurance programs.
- Veterans will get access to the high-quality care they deserve, when they need it, without bureaucratic hassles.
- An advance refundable tax credit based on income will help families obtain coverage through the FEHBP or Medicare.
- All employers will be required to do their fair share to contribute to a healthy and covered work force.
- All Americans will be required to obtain coverage once these reforms are in place.
- Passing a Medical Borrower's Fairness Act to provide immediate relief to families forced to borrow to pay for medical expenses.
- Streamlining health care administration through common forms, common reporting requirements, and widespread use of health IT.
- Investing in prevention by addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.
- Improving quality of care through payment systems that reward performance.
