Monday, October 12, 2009

Insurance industry slams BaucusCare

The health care reform proposal offered by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) is not getting a clean bill of health from insurers.

The health insurance industry is warning that a comprehensive Senate bill would increase the cost of a typical policy by hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year after lawmakers eased up on the requirement that all Americans get coverage.

The stinging attack came on the eve of a pivotal Senate vote and was a clear message to President Barack Obama and congressional Democratic leaders who have been making headway on overhauling the nation's health care system. The industry fears that a weakening of the penalties for failing to get insurance would let Americans postpone getting coverage until they get sick.

An industry trade group, America's Health Insurance Plans, estimates that in 10 years, BaucusCare will cost individuals $1,500 in increased premiums--and families will pay $4,000 more.

The White House disputes the claims.

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