Leading the Way in Healthcare
Across America, Democratic governors exemplify leadership that is characterized by policies and initiatives that are smart, practical and innovative. They are willing to engage in difficult policy issues and come up with solutions for the citizens of their states. Perhaps no other topic provides a better opportunity to exhibit these superior management skills than in healthcare.
Democratic governors are not only leading their states to be economically viable, but in many instances are both investing and putting money away for a rainy day. The latest budget recommendation from the President would reduce federal health care spending to the states by $36 billion over the next five years, with the largest chunk of these savings coming from a reduction in Medicare—the federally funded health care program for the elderly. Governors must come up with solutions to make sure the sickest and neediest continue to receive care. They are also committed to expand access, increase affordability and preserve a high level of quality care.
Our blueprint for state healthcare includes successful initiatives such as: state funded financial supplements for Medicare drug coverage; increasing the number of children that are medically insured; creating multi-state purchasing pools for prescription drugs that dramatically reduce cost to citizens; creating and expanding state introduced prescription drug discount cards, for both the elderly and low-income; and a variety of incentives and subsidies for small businesses to provide quality healthcare to their employees.
Governors have focused on increasing overall coverage for children, increasing healthcare coverage for small business owners, and making prescription drugs more available and affordable. At least six governors put coverage for children on their agenda. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich created All Kids Health Insurance Program, which makes Illinois the first state in the nation to provide access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage for every child in the state. Of the 250,000 children in Illinois without health insurance, half live in working and middle class families who earn too much to qualify for programs like KidCare, but not enough to afford private health insurance. And Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius expanded access to health insurance for Kansas’ children. Since taking office, more than 41,000 children have received coverage. Nonetheless, 15,000 children five years old and younger go without any health insurance coverage at all; Sebelius called on the Legislature to support her plan to give all children five years old and younger sufficient health coverage.
At least seven governors have focused on improving access to health care for small-business owners. New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch stabilized the small business health insurance market by ending the ability of insurance companies to discriminate based on where a business is located, or to discriminate against sick workers. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said that for the Virginia economy to continue to thrive, the state must address the threat posed to small businesses by the rising cost of health insurance. The governor will propose legislation to allow small companies to join together in order to obtain less expensive insurance for their employees and remain competitive in the marketplace. In 2005, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer proposed and got passed the Small Business Healthcare Affordability Act. Tax credits and premium payments will help small business owners provide health insurance to their employees.
At least eight governors have put availability of prescription drugs on the agenda for their states. In response to the success of Arizona’s implementation of the Copper Card in 2003, Gov. Janet Napolitano plans to expand its reach to more of the state’s residents. The card provides discounts to Medicare-approved prescription drugs free of any restrictions and expiration dates. Napolitano’s plan would have private companies act as a bulk discount buying club to provide better discounts on expensive but necessary drugs. Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm saved citizens and the state money on health care while extending care and affordable prescription drug coverage to thousands. She extended affordable prescription drug benefits to 25,000 citizens through the MIRX card.
Across America, Democratic governors exemplify leadership that is characterized by policies and initiatives that are smart, practical and innovative. They are willing to engage in difficult policy issues and come up with solutions for the citizens of their states. Perhaps no other topic provides a better opportunity to exhibit these superior management skills than in healthcare.
