Politico: House Dems Draft Sweeping Health Bill

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House Dems draft sweeping health bill

By: Carrie Budoff Brown
June 6, 2009 09:52 AM EST

House Democrats are drafting a sweeping health-care reform that creates a national insurance marketplace where people can choose public and private plans with the same minimum standard of benefits, according to a detailed outline of the bill obtained Friday by POLITICO.

The outline – identified as an update from the House Energy and Commerce Committee – is more comprehensive than one that emerged last month, and surfaced ahead of a scheduled briefing Tuesday for the House Democratic caucus.

The broad structure of the health-care bill, which is being negotiated jointly by three House committees, resembles what is under consideration in the Senate. A draft of the House bill is expected by the end of next week, the outline stated.

There would be a "soft” mandate on individuals to purchase insurance, with a waiver for those who can’t afford it and a “moderate” tax penalty on those who skirt the requirement.

Large employers would need to provide coverage or face a tax penalty. Small businesses could buy into the insurance exchange and receive subsidies.

All insurers would have to provide a minimum benefits package, and end its practice of denying coverage or raising rates based on a preexisting condition.

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http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23432.html