Because tax credits would allow the current system to remain in place, there would be no reduction in health care spending. The maximization of profit will continue to be a driving force in health care. Patients still may be restricted in choosing their physician and doctors still may be limited in treating patients in the manner that they best see fit. AMSA believes that tax credits do not adequately solve the health care problems for those who are most disenfranchised. AMSA also believes that a health insurance system should be universal rather than voluntary.
Money is placed into a tax-exempt savings account for individuals to use solely for health care.
Some of the money is used to purchase a high deductible catastrophic-insurance plan. Routine or minor health care is paid for from the remainder of the savings account or out of pocket. Theoretically there should be a decrease in unnecessary medical spending because individuals would have to pay the costs of minor care out of their own pocket. This discourages people from visiting the doctor simply because their head hurts. Because individuals will have to pay some expenses, MSAs may encourage more health conscious behaviors in an attempt to avoid minor ailments.