Written by Stefanie Marty
With the discussion of a health insurance reform going on, on September 8th the Congress released a new proposal which would fine Americans without health insurance plan. This new concept, called the “Baucus Plan”, was put forth by Democratic Senator Max Baucus from Montana.
The Baucus plan which would cost $856 billion over 10 years would make health insurance mandatory for everyone by beginning of 2013. It would not include a public insurance imposed by the government, but it would include non-profit cooperatives which would create a competitive insurance market and thus cut costs. The plan further incorporates tax credits, higher premiums for smokers and for people over the age of 60 and fees which have to be paid by insurers and drug companies. Also, the proposal exempts those people who cannot afford coverage.
With these and many other characteristics the Baucus plan would guarantee health coverage for the majority of Americans. People who do not sign up for a health insurance would have to pay big fines equal of at least $750 for individuals and $1,500 for families. The maximum amount a family could get fined of would be $3,800.
If the plan has any chances is controversial, Baucus hopes to get support from both the parties.
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I really don't think poor people care about their health insurance. No matter what goverment force them to do it, they wouldn't follow that. They need money to eat and live for the present, not for preventing or unexpected happening for the future
ReplyDeleteCommented by Minjune Kim