AMA meeting: AMA guidelines say health reform should be universal, offer choice of benefits

Honolulu -- When evaluating health system reform proposals, physicians and others should look at coverage options, benefit packages and financing, according to principles the AMA House of Delegates adopted in November.

The new principles say:

• Health insurance coverage for state residents should be universal, continuous and portable. Coverage should be mandatory only if health insurance subsidies are available for those living below a defined poverty level.
• The health care system should emphasize patient choice of plans and health benefits, including mental health, which should be value-based. Existing federal guidelines for health insurance coverage -- such as the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program regulations -- should be used as references when considering if a plan would provide meaningful coverage.
• The delivery system should let physicians and patients choose their health insurance coverage and whether they will participate in such coverage. Systems should preserve the patient-physician relationship and focus on providing care that is safe, timely, efficient, effective, patient-centered and equitable.
• The administration and governance system should be simple, transparent, accountable, efficient and effective to reduce administrative costs and maximize funding for patient care.
• Health insurance coverage should be equitable, affordable and sustainable. The financing strategy should strive for simplicity, transparency and efficiency. It should emphasize personal responsibility as well as societal obligations.

"The AMA supports state efforts to address important issues in the health care system, as state reforms can serve as testing grounds for more expansive federal programs," AMA Trustee Steven J. Stack, MD, said in a statement.