Speech bubble on blue and red background If given a chance to sit down with our 2020 presidentialcandidates, here's what our readers would say.

Quality control?

If I could meet with the 2020 presidential candidates, I wouldask them how they foresee correcting current legislation (orintroducing new legislation) to retain the accessibility to care that the ACA provided,but help control the costs of health care without compromising thequality. I'd be curious to know if any of the candidates know whatthe average quality of care is in the United States compared tolike countries, and if they believe paying for care based off of amultiple of Medicare can be a sustainable part of the solution forthe long term.

Emma Passé, COO, E Powered Benefits

Due diligence

I would ask, are we sure “Medicare for All” wouldn't mimicMexico's health care? Medicare for those who cannot afford it, andprivate coverage for wealthy Americans?

Adam Hall, employee benefits consultant, The OlsonGroup

The student loan issue

The one question I'd ask the presidential candidates and membersof Congress is regarding the taxability of student loan payments made by employers as abenefit. While student loan payment plans have been touted as “thehot new benefit” for the last couple years, the participation inthese programs has actually lagged behind the hype. Reports I'veseen suggest participation only inching up to just over 5 percentof employers currently offering them. That said, it's been mybelief that the taxability of these payments has been the primaryhindrance for more explosive growth. Additionally, employers notonly have to make the contributions, but often have to pay setupfees, as well as monthly participation expenses. This can becostly, requiring buy-in not only from HR, but also the CFO orfinance team.

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