individual

According to a recent report in Consumer Reports, 14,000 Americans lose employer-based health insurance every day. Many aren’t eligible for public insurance, and COBRA is often too expensive. The individual, or non-group, is often promoted as a solution, but a report by Dr. Robin Baker of the Bell explains that there are a number of factors that will hinder any attempts at expansion.

The state should contribute at least $1 million each year to fund a statewide IDA program. That would help double the number of low-income families that can participate in an IDA program. It should also make the tax credit permanent for those who contribute matching funds to IDA programs.

We should continue to require insurance companies to offer small employers and individuals low-cost health insurance policies that provide basic services and protect families from excessive medical expenses.

A Boulder Daily Camera commentary exploring options for encouraging savings for low-income families, including individual development accounts (IDAs).

The Bell Policy Center today called on state legislators to take six key steps to bolster the state???s support of individual development account programs.