The 2008 presidential election is poised to see a significant push for major health reform. Recognizing the need for our clients to understand what the next election will bring, PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute has issued Beyond the Sound Bite, a balanced analysis of the frontrunners' healthcare proposals.
Each of the healthcare plans proposed by the various presidential candidates will impact organizations in different ways. Depending on who is elected, Corporate America could see changes ranging from mandated employer coverage to a decreased role in health benefits if coverage responsibility is shifted to individuals. Providers could be affected by the various proposals to expand coverage and the potential for increased reliance on government payment. Health plans could experience new regulations such as community rating and profit limits; loss of markets to government insurers; and a shift in products from employer to individual markets. Pharmaceutical/life sciences companies could face repeal of the non-interference clause in Part D; establishment of a pathway for biogenerics and follow-on biologics; and reimportation.
Regardless of who is elected, healthcare will change, and the implications will be enormous. The specific direction it goes depends largely on the next President.
