Health Insurance Exchanges: House or Senate Style? Health insurance exchanges can potentially serve a variety of policy ends, from promoting transparency and competition among health plans, to pooling or reallocating risk and administering subsidies for those unable to afford health insurance premiums. This briefing, cosponsored by the Alliance and The Commonwealth Fund, looked at how the House and Senate reform bills deal with exchanges. One major difference is that the House proposal would set up a national exchange, with states having the right to opt out; the Senate version envisions state exchanges. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach? How do the respective bills address the issue of risk adjustment? Who is allowed to participate in the exchanges? Read More

	New Issue Brief -- Rural Health and Health Reform Health care delivery poses unique challenges in rural communities. Provider shortages are particularly acute. Unemployment rates are higher and private insurance rates are lower in rural areas than elsewhere. Do the health reform bills in Congress adequately address the needs of rural areas? A new issue brief from the Alliance for Health Reform offers some insights. Written by Deanna Okrent, Alliance senior health policy associate, and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To download, click here. Read More

	Issue Brief -- Ensuring Access to Care If tens of millions of Americans gain health coverage, will the current health system be able to meet the new demand? This four-page issue brief looks at why the nation has a physician shortage, and what can be done to help ensure access to care after health reform. Written by Deanna Okrent of the Alliance and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To download, click here. Read More