Clinton plan takes shape, but financing still big unknown.

Area of Science:

• Health Policy and Economics
• Healthcare Reform
• Public Health Administration

Background:

• The Clinton administration's health care reform task force, led by Hillary Rodham Clinton, is finalizing its comprehensive reform plan.
• Details emerging from the task force indicate a focus on managed competition, global budgets, and price controls.
• Information is derived from interviews with government officials, industry representatives, and recent news accounts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a round-up of provisions anticipated in the upcoming health care reform plan.
• To inform stakeholders about the likely components of the proposed legislation.
• To highlight the critical factor of cost feasibility in legislative approval.

Main Methods:

• Information synthesis from interviews with government officials and industry representatives.
• Analysis of recent news accounts and statements from administration and congressional officials.
• Review of emerging details regarding proposed health care reform provisions.

Main Results:

• Key provisions likely to be included are global budgets, managed competition, and price controls.
• Legislative approval hinges significantly on the cost feasibility of the proposed reforms.
• Skepticism exists among lawmakers regarding the expansion of benefits without immediate funding mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• The final health care reform plan is expected to incorporate significant structural changes.
• Cost containment and fiscal responsibility are paramount concerns for congressional approval.
• The political viability of the reform package will be tested against its economic implications.