Why isnt Governor Rendell proposing a single-payer program?
Since, 88% of the Commonwealths population already has health insurance 17% are covered by Medicare, 2% through military benefits, and most of the rest through employers – this plan builds on the model that is currently in place. 38% of the working uninsured are offered employer-based health insurance but cant afford the required premiums. This plan will help those employees by allowing them to purchase PA ABC at an affordable rate. The plan will also offer affordable health insurance through PA ABC for those who do not have an employer-based option. While there are significant merits to a single-payer model, it is a system that cannot be implemented on a state-by-state basis. It would be too costly. In order to be viable, single-payer needs to be implemented nationwide and that is unlikely to happen in the near future. In the meantime, PA ABC will help thousands of people who are without insurance while helping to lower the cost of coverage for all Pennsylvanians.
