The American Medical Association voted at its annual meeting this week to require individuals making more than 500% of the federal poverty level ($49,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a family of four) to obtain a minimum of catastrophic and preventive healthcare coverage. That description fits 11% of the 46 million of uninsured Americans, or about 5 million people, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. The AMA recommends using the tax code to enforce mandatory health insurance for higher income earners by making those who refuse to get coverage pay higher taxes and giving tax credits to those who obtain coverage. "This policy is the newest addition to the AMA's plan to cover the uninsured," said AMA board member Ardis Hoven, MD. "The AMA plan now includes tax credits for the purchase of insurance; individually selected and owned health insurance; the expansion and formation of new insurance options; changes in health insurance market regulations; and individual responsibility." The AMA will advocate for federal legislation to implement its plan.
