More States Consider Public Option in Bid to Lower Costs
With a nationwide public option now looking unlikely under President Joe Biden, an increasing number of states are trying to implement their own government-sponsored alternative to commercial insurance in a bid to lower rising costs.
Colorado almost passed a public option, and Connecticut’s leaders are taking a hard look at creating their own. Meanwhile, a committee in Nevada’s legislature is debating the merits of implementing a public insurance option that sets a target of reducing average premium costs by 15% within five years and would be available starting in 2026 (HPW 5/7/21, p 7). Although payers and providers have successfully headed off Colorado’s public option proposal, and may do so elsewhere, there is increasing pressure at the state level across the country to act on health care costs.