Physicians for a National Health Program

Harvard study reveals taxing job-based health benefits would hit working families hardest

A new Harvard study finds that taxing employer-sponsored health insurance would disproportionately affect low-income families, taking up to 18.3% of their income, while high-income families face only a 2.7% tax rate. Single-payer national health insurance is proposed as a more affordable option for universal coverage.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 19, 2009

Illness, medical bills linked to nearly two-thirds of bankruptcies

A Harvard study found that medical problems contributed to 62.1 percent of all bankruptcies in 2007, with most medically bankrupt individuals having health insurance at the start of their illness. The study also found high out-of-pocket medical costs for insured families and a lack of comprehensive coverage.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·DateJun 4, 2009

Health, life insurers hold billions in tobacco stocks: NEJM article

Researchers found that U.S., Canadian, and UK-based insurance firms hold at least $4.4 billion in investments in tobacco companies. This raises concerns about the industry prioritizing profits over public health. Insurers profit by excluding smokers from coverage or charging them higher premiums.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 3, 2009