Congressman Bill Huizenga wants a multi-share health coverage pilot program for low-income uninsured workers.
Huizenga (R-MI 2) introduced a bill last week that seeks $36 million in federal funding over four years for the, the Community Multi-Share Coverage Program Act. The money would go towards five pilot sites around the country.
Huizenga says he borrowed the "Multi-share” model from Access Health, a Muskegon non-profit that combines individual, employer and educational institution, the sponsoring health care organization and federal funds to come up with the best coverage plan for uninsured people.
The program is intended to reduce the number of uninsured through a hospital-led community-based coverage option, and test the feasibility of supporting Medicaid recipients transitioning from part-time employment to full-time employment by ensuring that health care remains stable and supports economic independence.
Huizenga says the program would target distressed economic areas and help people whose income disqualifies them from Medicaid.
“The use of this coverage bridge ensures that low-income earners are not disincentivized from leaving Medicaid to seek higher income employment opportunities,” Huizenga said.
Huizenga says the pilot program would provide protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
Huizenga said in a statement that policy makers should be looking for ways to, “increase the well-being of Americans, promote upward mobility, and improve outcomes for families.”
“The Community Multi-share Coverage Program Act achieves these objectives by building upon the success we have seen right here in West Michigan. By using a unique approach to deliver quality health care at affordable prices to populations that are either underserved or uninsured, this West Michigan inspired legislation can improve health and financial security while helping more people climb the ladder of opportunity and achieve success."
