This solution to the current fight over SCHIP sounds like somewhat of an improvement:

Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) has crafted such an alternative, one that can get the president’s signature, help all kids get health insurance and not stick it to smokers. It has three elements. First, it includes a full reauthorization of SCHIP. Families that are at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level get the same benefits. Second, those families that are between 200 and 300 percent of the poverty level would get a child healthcare tax credit that would be used for the purchase of health insurance. Third, Martinez would create a healthcare federalism initiative for the states, to give them incentives to expand healthcare coverage at the state level.

Ok, maybe not the whole thing, but the part about allowing tax credits to families between 200% and 300% of the poverty level is attractive. However, Congress shouldn't stop there. They should offer individuals of all income levels the same tax credit to buy health insurance and to cover medicinal expenses.