March 2000 • Volume 6 • Number 3
AAFP policy center forum
Gore, Bradley campaigners swap ideasBY JANE STOEVER
Washington, D.C.Ideas on changing the health care system took center stage at a breakfast forum in Washington, D.C., Feb. 10.
Representatives of Democratic presidential candidates shared views on what America needs and is willing to work toward. The AAFP Center for Policy Studies in Family Practice and Primary Care hosted the forum.
"Vice President Al Gore has an ambitious program he thinks he can get passed in his first year in office," said Sarah Bianchi, representing the campaign. "He thinks the best way to get everybody covered is a step-by-step approach, building on what works today."
Margy Heldring, representing former Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J., characterized his proposal with two words: leadership and universality.
"Bill Bradley sees around the corner," said Heldring. "He wasn't afraid to step onto a landmine, the world of health care."
As the forum opened, Bianchi conveyed Gore's thanks: "The vice president appreciates that Sen. Bradley is taking leadership on this issue."
That set the tone for a laid-back exchange bearing little resemblance to the attacks that have peppered the primary debates.
The two representatives gave details of their candidates' positions:
Al GoreGore proposes a $146 billion "coverage initiative" that would be the largest health care program since Medicare began in 1965.
To begin trying to insure all children, Gore would raise the maximum income level for the Children's Health Insurance Program and increase enrollment efforts. Bianchi said about 85 percent of parents whose children are in CHIP or Medicaid have no coverage, and Gore's plan would give them affordable options.
Medicare would cover the fastest-growing group of the uninsured, those 55-65 years old, and would offer prescription drug benefits.
Bill BradleyBradley would mandate health insurance for all children. "Children are a national resource. Their coverage should be a federal responsibility," Heldring said.
Bradley also wants to open up the federal system to all adults. Uninsured adults would be able to enter Federal Employees Health Benefits programs. Medicare benefits would expand, including prescription drug coverage.
"For the frail elderly, what does it take to stay healthy?" asked Heldring, saying Bradley proposes a blend of medical and social services. He would beef up community health centers. "They're anchors in the community," she said.
Bradley also wants to create a community-based public health sciences institute in the National Institutes of Health.
The AAFP policy center has asked Republican candidates to present their health system suggestions at a forum this spring.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2000 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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