Ex-Senate leaders to unveil health care compromise
17.06.09
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trying to prevent a repeat of the 1990s standoff over health care, four former Senate leaders are preparing a plan that combines ideas from both political parties to guarantee coverage for all.
Democrats Tom Daschle and George Mitchell are set to join Republicans Bob Dole and Howard Baker on Wednesday to release a $1.2 trillion proposal that would be fully paid for with a combination of spending cuts and tax increases.
A summary of the plan calls for an individual requirement to carry health insurance, an idea that many Republicans support. But it would also impose new levies on large companies that don't provide coverage to their workers, an approach preferred by Democrats.
Perhaps the most controversial part calls for taxing health insurance benefits worth more than the value of the coverage that members of Congress get.
Republicans have supported such an approach, arguing it would encourage people to switch to less expensive insurance plans, and that might cut overall costs in the long run. But unions, a major Democratic constituency, are adamantly opposed.
Source: The Associated Press
How small businesses, employees can survive health insurance cuts
Filed under: Budgets, Saving, Health, Recession

Faced with decreasing revenues from the global recession and higher health care premiums, many small businesses are opting to completely drop health coverage for their employees.
From 1993, the number of small businesses offering health insurance has dropped more than 20% to the current level of 38%.
With health coverage currently at the top of the political agenda, many Americans are faced with a rude awakening. Many people simply cannot afford family private plans that can exceed $20,000 per year.
But don't despair: Here are some useful tips for small businesses and employees when faced with this situation:
Small Businesses
o. Offer some type of credit or bonus if you decide to drop health coverage. This extra cash can help your employee transition to a new health plan.
Continue reading How small businesses, employees can survive health insurance cuts
How small businesses, employees can survive health insurance cuts originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Source: WalletPop Blog