If given a chance to sit down with our 2020 presidential candidates, here's what our readers would say.
Quality control?
If I could meet with the 2020 presidential candidates, I would ask them how they foresee correcting current legislation (or introducing new legislation) to retain the accessibility to care that the ACA provided, but help control the costs of health care without compromising the quality. I'd be curious to know if any of the candidates know what the average quality of care is in the United States compared to like countries, and if they believe paying for care based off of a multiple of Medicare can be a sustainable part of the solution for the long term.
Emma Passé, COO, E Powered Benefits
Due diligence
I would ask, are we sure “Medicare for All” wouldn't mimic Mexico's health care? Medicare for those who cannot afford it, and private coverage for wealthy Americans?
Adam Hall, employee benefits consultant, The Olson Group
The student loan issue
The one question I'd ask the presidential candidates and members of Congress is regarding the taxability of student loan payments made by employers as a benefit. While student loan payment plans have been touted as “the hot new benefit” for the last couple years, the participation in these programs has actually lagged behind the hype. Reports I've seen suggest participation only inching up to just over 5 percent of employers currently offering them. That said, it's been my belief that the taxability of these payments has been the primary hindrance for more explosive growth. Additionally, employers not only have to make the contributions, but often have to pay setup fees, as well as monthly participation expenses. This can be costly, requiring buy-in not only from HR, but also the CFO or finance team.
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