Kennedy Seeks Mandatory Health Insurance Benefit
Washington
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., plans to introduce legislation that would require all employers to provide workers with health insurance that offers benefits similar to those given to federal employees.
Sen. Kennedy said that an employer-based system is the most realistic way to achieve the goal of comprehensive and universal health insurance.
He said that under his bill, no employer would have to spend more than 12 percent of payroll for employee health insurance.
If health care costs rise faster than a fair average of other costs, the government will cover the difference, he said.
For those without employment-based coverage, he said, coverage will be available via the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, with premiums based on ability to pay.
Sen. Kennedy said that for decades, the nation has required employers to contribute to Social Security and to Medicare, pay a minimum wage, and contribute to unemployment insurance. "Now, it is time to say that they also have an obligation to contribute to the cost of health insurance for their employees," he said.
Sen. Kennedy said that his legislation will have provisions aimed at reducing health care costs, including the use of new information technology, improving quality and a new emphasis on prevention.
Sen. Kennedy blasted President Bushs health care agenda.
"The Bush administration has no program to control health care costs," he charged. "Why not? Because it might upset the drug industry and the insurance industry."
Reproduced from National Underwriter Property & Casualty/Risk & Benefits Management Edition, January 30, 2004. Copyright 2004 by The National Underwriter Company in the serial publication. All rights reserved.Copyright in this article as an independent work may be held by the author.
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