decided to remind everyone that there are plenty of public options offered by government today, by reviewing their strong and weak points.

 

TRICARE is the military’s health care program that covers all personnel and their families, regardless of pre-existing conditions. It even comes with an HMO-like option that spares patients out-of-pocket expenses. The worst part of TRICARE is having to go to places like Walter Reed, which has been the subject of media investigations because of poor medical care.

 

Another plan that accepts people regardless of their health is the Indian Health Service (IHS). Open to any member of the 564 tribes in the United States, IHS is free. However, the federal government consistently shortchanges the IHS budget, causing it to run out of money each year.

 

If you are a veteran, the Veterans Health Administration covers your medical care, and if you are a senior, Medicare does so. Most people who use these two systems are satisfied with their care. Medicaid, another government-financed program, covers the health needs of low-income Americans who have children or are disabled.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Grading the Public Options That Already Exist (by Sabrina Shankman, ProPublica)