A recent study by the Kaiser Foundation suggests expanding private group coverage as a means
of extending health insurance coverage to the uninsured. The commission notes two main approaches
that can be taken when considering expanding the current system of employer-provided health
insurance: mandating coverage, or providing financial incentives to increase coverage. Weil’s proposal
represents an example of using financial incentives to increase coverage. Offering tax credits, or
exemptions, is one way that employers could be encouraged to extend health insurance coverage to part-
time employees. Passing legislation that requires broader healthcare provisions by employers is the
other possibility. This solution, however, is likely to be met with a great deal of resistance among those
who control much of the country’s wealth.
The proposals reviewed do not present one clear solution to the problem of the link between full-
time employment, and healthcare coverage. They do, however, demonstrate that a large number of
potential solutions exist to extend health insurance coverage to those who work full time. If any one of
these solutions, or some combination of the various elements of healthcare provision and funding
presented here could be implemented, families wanting to choose part-time employment for both
spouses over full-time employment for one would not find their healthcare in jeopardy as a result.
That said, socialized health insurance alone is not going to solve the problem of gender equity.
Canada’s national health system put into place starting in the 1950’s demonstrates that “free” health care
does not necessarily mean that men and women assume equity. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s
socialized medical policies still has a gap in unpaid labor provision and disparities in women working
part-time when compared to men. In fact, these two examples are more like the United States when it
comes to gender equity than their health systems. However, one country, Finland, has found a way to
develop several policies simultaneously that offer more gender equity than the rest. A generation ago
Finland began reforming its educational system, health insurance system and national day-care program
that allows for a sort of national equity. There are no private schools, no social groups taxed more than
any other or exceptional benefits for either gender, generation or income group.
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Convention