CBO Analysis Understates Impact of Senate Healthcare Reform Bill

Strategic Insights -

The Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) estimate, released today, indicates that the Senate healthcare reform bill will make coverage more expensive for millions of people buying individual insurance policies. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has expressed concerns that the analysis understates the effect of the proposal, particularly in three key areas. The debate is now shifting towards how the bills will make coverage less affordable to the American people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CBO analysis indicates that the Senate healthcare reform bill will make coverage more expensive for millions of people buying individual insurance policies.
  • The federal subsidies mentioned in the CBO report may not accurately represent savings, as many of the people benefiting from these subsidies were previously uninsured and paid no premiums.
  • The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has expressed concerns that the analysis understates the effect of the proposal, particularly in terms of premium increases.
  • The BCBSA is advocating for improvements to the Senate Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to ensure it is affordable and sustainable for everyone.
  • The association is relying on the analyses of Oliver Wyman, a prominent consulting firm, to inform these improvements.
  • The BCBSA represents a national federation of 39 independent, community-based, and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, covering more than 100 million members - one-in-three Americans.

Statistics:

  • Millions of people will see increased premium costs due to the Senate healthcare reform bill.
  • The federal subsidies mentioned in the CBO report may not accurately represent savings, potentially affecting previously uninsured individuals.
  • The BCBSA covers more than 100 million members, approximately one-third of the American population.

Sources:

  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA)
  • Oliver Wyman