The Georgia Uninsured Working Group has proposed a series of reforms that could help an estimated 500,000 currently uninsured Georgians purchase health insurance.

That set of changes would cover one-third of all the uninsured in Georgia.

(ENLARGE)

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is founder of the Center for Health Transformation in Atlanta.

It would be a big step forward and would be the first building block toward ultimately covering every Georgian with health insurance.

Gov. Sonny Perdue deserves a lot of credit for encouraging and supporting this kind of sound, practical and doable reform.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial board apparently dislikes the plan because it is incremental and it is market-oriented ("Pale attempt at a fix" @issue Feb. 8 ).

Why would they prefer to do nothing and leave 500,000 Georgians uninsured? Do they seriously believe this legislature will pass a utopian big-government, big-tax-increase solution? Since that won't happen, why not take the first steps and help a half million people now?

Why are they opposed to market-oriented solutions if they work?

We should be seeking the most practical, common-sense and affordable health insurance system so every Georgian can buy health insurance at an affordable cost.

This proposal is a powerful step in the right direction. It ought to be passed by the Legislature as rapidly as possible. Here is how it would work:

• It eliminates unnecessary and hidden taxes imposed on the purchase of insurance that only drives up premiums and increases the numbers of those unable to afford coverage.

• It allows financial rewards and incentives for preventive care, if healthy, and compliance incentives with physician-established treatment plans, if ill.

• It encourages more flexible plan designs to better meet the insurance needs of individuals.

• It provides expanded use of tax-advantage accounts that will encourage employers to contribute toward the purchase of individually owned policies for many working poor.

• It provides a $250 tax credit per enrolled employee to encourage small businesses to provide health insurance, where now more than 65 percent do not offer insurance.

These and other changes in the proposed legislation target the uninsured working poor. The proposal also includes support for the Georgia Free Clinics, health care providers that provide care free or at a minimal fee.

The changes modernize outdated insurance laws, give choice to individuals and create new ways to achieve the goals of increased access, lower cost and higher quality. The need is great, the time is now.

* Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is founder of the Center for Health Transformation in Atlanta.