Paternalism 2.0

摘要

American exceptionalism takes many forms. In the corporate world, one example is particularly odd: companies choose health insurance for their workers. Almost all firms with over 200 employees offer health coverage. Company-sponsored insurance is common for working-age Americans. In no other big and rich country is it the norm. But this form of paternalism is diminishing fast, accelerated by Barack Obama's health reform. The changes have broad implications for workers and the health industry. Poll after poll shows that employers are revising their health plans. On August 18th the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that more than half of employers were changing insurance in response to Obamacare. The particular reforms may vary but the ailment they are all trying to treat is widespread.