Academy Health Practice Council Vice President Tom Wildsmith discussed Academy volunteers’ visit to Washington to confer with policymakers on health care reform implementation. He said one of the most frequently asked questions was about alternatives to the individual mandate. Wildsmith said that there is "no real silver bullet," but that a combination of things would have to be done, such as open enrollments, waiting periods, and penalties for late enrollment.

An op-ed cited the Academy’s issue brief on The Value of Defined Benefit Plans. The brief states that the management of investments is more efficient in a defined benefit plan than in a defined contribution plan and this efficiency can often lead to higher returns. 

Academy Health Practice Council Vice President Tom Wildsmith was the guest expert during a live web chat. Wildsmith answered a host of questions ranging from how health insurance companies determine premiums to how health care reform will affect insurance markets.

Academy meetings, where discussions have occurred about alternatives to the individual health insurance coverage mandate contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, were referenced.

Academy volunteer Al Schmitz's testimony during a congressional subcommittee hearing on the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program was previewed and the Academy's FAQ on the CLASS Act was cited.

Academy Senior Health Fellow Cori Uccello discussed the importance of the individual health insurance coverage mandate contained within the health reform law. She said the mandate helps limit adverse selection by encouraging enrollment of low-risk individuals. Uccello also said that alternatives would be necessary if the mandate is removed from the law, but that these policy options should also be considered to strengthen the mandate if it is not removed.

Academy Senior Health Fellow Cori Uccello discussed the importance of the individual health insurance coverage mandate contained within the health reform law. She said the mandate helps limit adverse selection by encouraging enrollment of low-risk individuals.

The Academy provided several policy options to strengthen the individual health insurance coverage mandate contained with the health reform law. These options also can serve as alternatives if the mandate is removed from the law.

The Academy's adverse selection and sustainability concerns regarding the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act were cited, and the Academy's July 2009 analysis of the federal long-term care program was referenced.

Sen. John Thune cited the Academy's adverse selection and sustainability concerns regarding the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act in his op-ed about the CLASS program.