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Senate Dem Unveils Broad Health Reform

Baucus proposal would guarantee insurance for all citizens

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2008 7:21 AM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama made health care reform a key plank of his campaign, but even before he's been inaugurated Congressional Democrats are introducing legislation to transform the system. Leading the charge is Max Baucus, the Montana senator who leads the finance committee. His plan, which he'll introduce today, guarantees health insurance for all citizens—by expanding Medicaid and Medicare, easing purchases of private insurance, and changing rules for employers.

"Americans cannot wait any longer," said Baucus, whose 35,000-word proposal goes further than what Obama proposed during the campaign; the president-elect said that only children would be required to have coverage. Obama's aides told the New York Times that they welcomed the Congressional initiative at a moment when his own priorities are the economy and energy independence.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. Baucus will introduce a major health care proposal today. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., takes an elevator on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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Senate Dem Unveils Broad Health Reform

Baucus proposal would guarantee insurance for all citizens

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Senate Dem Unveils Broad Health Reform

Baucus proposal would guarantee insurance for all citizens

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health care • Barack Obama • Congress • Medicare • Medicaid • health care reform • Max Baucus • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Medicare Buy-In May Replace Public Option

Reid tells Democrats to find compromise by tonight

House, Senate Dems Split on 'Cadillac Tax'

As finance committee votes, caucus divided on how to fund reform

Daschle Defeat Can't Delay Health Reform

Because of recession, even more people need help now

Dummy Firms Squeeze Millions From Medicare

Fraud-fighters finding it hard to stay ahead of shell companies

On Way Out, Medicare Boss Bashes 'Extreme' Waste

Donald Berwick says 20-30% of health care spending helps no one

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Newser By Users

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