Universal Health Care Plan Looks Likely

Compromise bill may include an 'Orbitz for insurance'
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 1, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
Universal Health Care Plan Looks Likely
Max Baucus and Charles Grassley stand with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who are negotiating Barack Obama's ambitious plan to provide health insurance for all.    (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, FILE)

Barack Obama's overhaul of the American health care system is quietly taking shape, and Democrats and Republicans both say a consensus plan looks likely. Politico reports on what the health reform bill, which must be passed by August, might look like: Guaranteed insurance for all Americans, who will probably be required to buy it, and will be able to keep it when they switch or lose jobs—with taxes on the top-earning Americans paying for much of the cost.

Other major features of the compromise plan may include:

  • An "Orbitz for insurance" marketplace that will let individuals and employers compare plans side-by-side, which has strong support from both the GOP and Dems.
  • Taxes on health benefits provided through employers to help cover the $1 trillion cost.
  • Mandates on citizens to buy coverage or else face tax penalties. Some Republicans are pushing for an automatic enrollment system.
  • A public insurance program to compete with private care—though that Democrat-led fight has a way to go.
(More health care stories.)

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