Health Care. The two words that are on the tip of many a tongue this month, but can be quite a spiral of (sometimes) nonsensical debate, complicated proposals, and opposing arguments. This fantastic guide posted in the New York Times is probably the best I’ve seen thus far for breaking down the key challenges in the health care debate, including specific proposals that will have an impact on how strong the reform will be, those opposing the proposals and why, how we’re going to pay for reform, and how the final legislation will make it through Congress and to Obama’s desk:
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1. Public Insurance Plan and Marketplace-
Create an exchange where people who are unable to obtain coverage at work and are ineligible for public programs can buy coverage from private plans or a new public plan.
White House: Wants a public insurance plan
Senate Finance Committee: Leaning toward an insurance cooperative
Senate Health Committee: Leaning toward a public insurance plan
House: Wants a public insurance plan
2. Individual and Employer Mandates-
Requires individuals to have a minimum level of health insurance. Requires employers of a certain size to offer insurance or help pay for coverage of their employees.
White House: Open to mandates, with some exceptions
Senate Finance Committee: Mandates likely, with some exceptions
Senate Health Committee: Mandates likely, with some exceptions
House: Mandates likely, with some exceptions