Covering the low-income uninsured: The case for expanding public programs

In a new administration and Congress, any health insurance coverage initiat ive will focus on some, rather than all, Americans. Because lack of afforda bility is the main reason people lack coverage, most observers acknowledge that government-financed subsidies are needed to expand coverage. But there is considerable disagreement about how these subsidies should be provided. Here we argue that priority in expanding coverage should go to the uninsur ed population that is least able to afford coverage and most likely to have difficulties getting appropriate and timely care. Despite flaws in existin g public programs, which can and should be remedied, strengthening these pr ograms establishes a foundation for truly effective health insurance covera ge for all low-income Americans.