Recognizing the health risks associated with a lack of insurance, the ACP developed a proposal to insure all Americans that has been introduced in Congress by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). The legislation that preserves and builds on the current health care system and possesses important elements missing from many other proposals –– it is realistic, pragmatic, and capable of uniting opposing factions of the health and political system behind a single viable approach, according to its supporters.

*Under this plan, consumers would receive unprecedented choice and guarantees through state organized purchasing pools. Eligible individuals would have access to the same kinds of health plans as federal employees.

*Rather than government mandated benefits, health plans would be encouraged to offer essential benefits, including preventive services, in order to reach a larger market.

*Purchasing groups would simplify the hassles of shopping for insurance for employers and individuals by soliciting bids from participating insurers, providing recipients with comparative information on each health plan, and collecting and paying premiums.

*The ACP plan supports innovation by giving states the option of obtaining a waiver to set up their own health insurance program, using federal funding.

 “Americans need more options for better more affordable coverage –– and that is what this bill delivers,” said Dr Podell. “Through these reforms, all low-income, uninsured Americans would have affordable coverage within the next two years. By the end of the decade, all Americans would have ready access to affordable health insurance.”

 The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States. ACP members include more than 115,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internists specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illnesses in adults.