crossposted at Brainstorm
So it’s neck and neck in the Democratic race, and since neither candidate has promised to end poverty in academia, I wonder: which of the candidates has a viable plan for treating contingent faculty diagnosed with cancer, or heart disease? (Since “quality management” and “executive leadership” doesn’t take responsibility for these issues, while nicely insuring the retirement accounts of said managers and executives.)
Obama relies on subsidies: working adults who “need financial assistance will receive an income-related federal subsidy to buy into the new public plan or purchase a private health care plan.” Coverage is optional for adults, and a “typical” family of four would save a modest 2,500. The “new public plan” is based on the so-called Congressional plan (Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan or FEHBP menu of private insurance choices).
Clinton relies on tax credits, “designed to prevent premiums from exceeding a percentage of family income, while maintaining consumer price consciousness in choosing health plans.” Coverage is mandatory, enforced by wage garnishment where necessary. The FEHBP or “Congressional” plan is a choice, but the required universal plan is based on Medicare.
Obviously, neither plan is the rational, proven single-payer model that would produce the greatest efficiency and largest percentage of spending on care. Both involve substantial political compromises with the health care industry and anticipated legislative roadblocks.
Pro for Clinton: universality, premiums limited to percentage of income. Con: tiers of care to “maintain consumer price consciousness.”
Pro for Obama: subsidies a better funding mechanism than tax credits; a “new public plan” adhering to the standards enjoyed by civil servants. Con: not truly universal; savings not necessarily substantial.
Recently:
- Happy Fourth?
- Poverty In Higher Ed
- What I’m Reading Now
- Meet the Trustees, Part 1: Trustees Behind Bars
- They’ll Be Watching You
- Maybe He Can’t
- Academic Labor Bookshelf
- Job Listing #666
- Psst! Forward this Link to Grad Students
- Don’t Miss COCAL VIII
