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

(Newser) – 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.

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)

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, talk with reporters after a closed-door committee meeting on financing an overhaul of the health care system. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius waits for the arrival of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., Thursday, March 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Barack Obama walks offstage after a news conference on the future of health care, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Sen. Charles Grassley said he is reasonably confident that he and Max Baucus can find common ground for a health bill to emerge by summer. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

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Universal Health Care Plan Looks Likely

Compromise bill may include an 'Orbitz for insurance'

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Fresh-Faced Prez Scores His Jimmy Stewart Moment

Mr. Obama goes to Washington

Democrats: Health Vote Next Week

Pelosi 'delighted' Obama will be present for 'historic' passage

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

Obama Success Could Hinge on Address

Big speech to Congress next week likely to make or break health care reform

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'The health of each of us depends on the health of the rest of us'

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