A Predictive and Case Study Analysis to Examine the Potential Impacts of Proposed Healthcare Expansion Policies under the 116th Congress

Abstract

For decades, Congressional lawmakers have struggled to enact much needed reform to the United States’ fractured healthcare system. Despite spending more money per capita compared to any other country, the United States continuously suffers from poorer health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, and overpriced health insurance. Everyday Americans are increasingly starting to demand reform. Starting in 2019, Bernie Sanders [I-VT], Benjamin Cardin [D-MD], Deborah Stabenow [D-MI], and Brian Schatz [D-HI] formally proposed legislation before the U.S. Senate, attempting to address many of the underlying issues within the healthcare sector. Respectively, they introduced bills which advocate for a single-payer system, a federal public option, a Medicare buy-in for older Americans, and a (federally supported) state public option.

This thesis examines each of the substance of these proposals and provides policy recommendations for future reform via two methods: (1) a predictive analysis of their effects on the country and (2) a case study of Florida, Mississippi, and New Jersey. These three states were selected based on variations in their health outcomes, political makeup, and need for reform. After conducting my initial research, I argue that there is a strong inverse relationship between the scope of healthcare reform and its political feasibility. While each state’s constituency differs in the reforms which it ought to adopt, the country as a whole should implement the following solutions, which I later outline in greater detail. First, we should enforce existing legislation and mandates which protect American consumers in the individual marketplace. Second, the federal government must leverage its authority to reduce middle management in the health sector and thereby reduce costs. Finally, Congress should pass politically viable legislation to address more immediate concerns while civil society and political advocacy groups pursue long-term strategies for a nationwide single-payer system.

No solution is a quick fix to the United States’ healthcare issues. In adopting at least some of these measures, we can slowly edge towards more progressive reforms that would sufficiently cover all Americans’ healthcare needs.