National Health Insurance: a political issue at the crossroads

It is safe to assume that a comprehensive NHI plan will not be enacted prior to the next presidential election. In sum, immediate action on the NHI issue is unlikely. However, enactment of a mini-NHI plan, expanding the Medicare and Medicaid programs, providing catastrophic coverage and/or providing coverage for mothers and children, is possible--although not probable--prior to the next presidential election.