Politico: House Dems Draft Sweeping Health Bill

[flpoljunkie]

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.

more...

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

[DJ13]

1. Sweeping like the credit card reform was?

[flpoljunkie]

2. Am still perplexed about 'exempting those who can't afford health insurance.'

They are, after all, the ones who need help to buy health insurance the most.

[sandnsea]

4. Yeah, that one's got me flummoxed too

I appreciate they won't add debt to people who truly can't afford it - but like you say, they're the ones who are most likely currently uninsured. Will they get a Medicaid card? They should.

[PatSeg]

5. I think it means they wouldn't be required to 'buy' insurance

It says:

"There would be a uniform benefit package for people on Medicaid. Democrats are still weighing whether individuals who are near the poverty line should receive coverage through Medicaid or a receive subsidy to buy insurance from the exchange."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23432.html#ixzz0Hg8bcOT2&C

[DrToast]

6. There will likely be an expanded form of Medicaid

For those that can't afford insurance. At least that's what is in the Kennedy version.

Or a subsidy to buy insurance.

[Better Believe It]

3. Right. No limits on Mafia like credit card interests rates