The national health insurance conundrum: shifting paradigms and potential solutions

For nearly a century, federal lawmakers have debated the pros and cons of national health insurance. Despite surges of interest, a consensus for such action does not exist. With political camps divided a "hybrid" solution is needed. Such a plan would involve both the government and the private sector, featuring a single payer system, creation of a basic benefit package, voluntary incentives to purchase insurance that gradually move to a mandatory system, and a progressively financed public program to cover those who fall through the cracks. Presidential leadership will be necessary to gain action.