The Department of Health and Human Services is asking states, local authorities and health care groups to submit proposals within 30 days on programs that could reduce medical malpractice liability costs.

The Self-Insurance Institute of America Inc. said provisions in health care delivery system reform legislation creating a new health insurance marketplace would be "harmful" to the employment-based health care system.

Health care delivery system reform legislation unveiled Wednesday by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., allows cafeteria plans to offer qualified long-term care insurance--a priority of the LTC industry.

The Senate Finance Committee may add provisions capping the cost of medical malpractice awards to health care reform legislation when it acts on the measure next week.

An $700 billion-plus compromise bill calling for cooperatives to provide health care instead of the controversial government "public plan" was unveiled today by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the Senate Finance Committee chairman.

Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives this month reforming regulation of the surplus lines and reinsurance markets should be part of a more comprehensive measure modernizing oversight of the entire industry.

President Barack Obama has told Congress that any health care legislation he signs must give individuals and small businesses the ability to purchase affordable coverage.

Health insurance reform legislation drafted for the Senate Finance Committee would create a network of nonprofit cooperatives as an alternative provider for the coverage, according to an outline obtained by National Underwriter.