Democratic Governors' Association Endorses Health Insurance for All, Withholds Support for Employer Mandate

Strategic Insights -

The Democratic Governors' Association has endorsed President Clinton's goal of providing health insurance for all Americans, but stopped short of supporting his centerpiece proposal, the employer mandate, which would require businesses to pay a significant portion of health insurance premiums. The association's resolution, passed at a meeting in Boston, did not specify how it would finance health insurance for the 39 million Americans who currently have no coverage, instead calling for an "equitable and reliable financing mechanism" to be developed by Congressional leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Democratic Governors' Association endorsed President Clinton's goal of providing health insurance for all Americans, but withheld support for the employer mandate, which requires businesses to pay 80% of health insurance premiums.
  • The association's resolution did not specify how it would finance health insurance for the 39 million Americans who currently have no coverage, instead calling for an "equitable and reliable financing mechanism" to be developed by Congressional leaders.
  • 17 out of 27 Democratic governors in attendance at the National Governors' Association meeting in Boston expressed views on the employer mandate, with 12 governors expressing opposition or reservations and 5 governors supporting the idea.
  • Governor Howard Dean of Vermont called for good-faith efforts at compromise on Capitol Hill, saying that partisan lines are hardening on the issue of health care reform.
  • Senator Bob Dole, the Republican leader, is scheduled to address the National Governors' Association meeting on Tuesday, alongside President Clinton.

Statistics:

  • 39 million Americans have no health insurance coverage.
  • 80% of health insurance premiums would be paid by employers under the Clinton proposal.
  • 17 out of 27 Democratic governors in attendance at the National Governors' Association meeting expressed views on the employer mandate.
  • 12 governors expressed opposition or reservations to the employer mandate.
  • 5 governors supported the proposal.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, August 31, 1993
  • Associated Press, August 31, 1993
  • Statement from the Democratic Governors' Association, August 30, 1993