United Way, SL Chamber Call for Health Insurance Mandate

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Basic health insurance would be required for everyone in Utah under a plan being proposed by the United Way and Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. Natalie Gochnour of the Salt Lake Chamber likens it to the insurance people are required to have for their car or home.

Current federal law requires hospitals to treat anyone who comes to an emergency room. Gochnour says that's an incentive for people NOT to have health insurance. A statewide mandate would put the emphasis on prevention rather than expensive treatment after problems arise.

Those who can't afford health insurance would be covered by the state, according to the proposal released yesterday by the United Way's Financial Stability Council.

The plan centers on the state creating a non-profit exchange that will match small businesses and individuals with affordable health plans using pre-tax dollars. All insurance companies licensed in the state would be required to offer an essential benefits package determined by an independent commission.

Intermountain Healthcare CEO Bill Nelson backs the proposal, despite challenges it poses to his company.

"I believe this is clearly beneficial for the community. And there are a lot of us who will have to accept a role in it that will negatively affect us to some degree," says Nelson. "But the negative effect is greatly offset by the overall benefit to the community."

All major health-insurers in Utah participated in the plan's development, but smaller insurers and agents oppose key pieces of it.

Before presenting a final version of the proposal to the Governor and Utah Legislature in November, the United Way's Financial Stability Council is asking the public to comment online at www.uw.org.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW