Vouchers could be used to provide universal health care, according to Victor Fuchs, professor emeritus at Stanford University and a noted health economist. Fuchs co-authored an article proposing the plan Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Fuchs’ article proposes every American under age 65 would receive a voucher for a standardized set of health care services. Patients would then choose a health plan to spend their vouchers on. Patients would be able to purchase additional services beyond those provided by the voucher.

Under the plan, current health care providers would continue to provide services, but a federal board would be set up to administer the voucher program.

Fuchs’ plan would also phase out Medicare over time with the voucher system.

An editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine called the plan “a thought-provoking suggestion” for “a universal coverage system . . . that would be less chaotic and more affordable.”

The article was co-authored by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist and specialist on decision making at the end of one’s life.

“Our plan is more feasible than previous reform efforts because it’s more congruent with American values,” said Fuchs. “Our society values equality, but it also puts tremendous value on individual freedom, choice and competition.”

— Don Kazak