Experts predict that after the mandates of HIPA take effect, health-care premiums could shoot up 15 to 20 percent. Additional reforms enacted by Congress could drive health-insurance costs even higher. Congress stepped in last year to issue its first set of federal mandates. According to Merrill Matthews, vice president of domestic policy for the National Center for Policy Analysis, only seven mandates existed at the state level in 1965. Today, more than 1,000 mandates are in effect.
Studies consistently show that mandates add to the cost of health insurance.
Consequently, higher costs add to the real problem of the uninsured. Despite the correlation between higher costs and more uninsured, proposals to increase federal mandates are plentiful in Congress. According to one Washington lobbyist who follows health issues closely, every profession and disease industry is lined up to push for its own federal mandate. For members of Congress, these initiatives are difficult to oppose because they fear being labeled as lacking compassion. However, efforts are under way to provide affordable health insurance options to more people.