From Deseret News archives:
Reform bill would unlink health insurance from employment
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced the Healthy Americans Act earlier this year, and Bennett hopes his support of the bill will encourage other Republicans to review it.
"Republicans have always resisted the idea of universal coverage on the grounds that it might somehow lead to a single-payer government-run system that we don't like, and Democrats have always resisted the idea of letting market forces into health care on the grounds that somehow some companies are going to benefit to the detriment of individuals," Bennett said. "The time has come to get this thing resolved."
Bennett was quick to admit the bill "is not perfect" but said he and the others are open to "conversation and negotiation" on its details.
Through the bill, people would be required to have health insurance and the government would work to make sure premiums are kept low and have a health-care tax deduction.
The bill's authors also say it will put "more money in people's pockets" because employers would need to covert health-care premiums paid for employees into higher wages that workers would use to buy their own insurance through these agencies.
Those that do not offer health insurance would need to start making payments to workers that would go toward buying the insurance, according to a summary of the bill.
"By putting Americans rather than their employers in charge of health care, everyone will be guaranteed quality care, even if they change jobs, lose their job or become too sick to work a job," according to the summary.
The bill also provides incentives for participating in "wellness programs" and other preventative measures. Bennett said he has been surprised in the past that during any debate about health care policy, there is little actual talk about health. He said the bill changes that current system that focuses on how to help people only when they are really sick and puts an emphasis on keeping people healthy.
Reps. Brian Baird, D-Wash., and Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., introduced the same bill in the House Wednesday, with all four lawmakers agreeing that they should not "sit around and wait" until the 2008 presidential election to deal with health care, Wyden said.
"There's no question that Congress needs to tackle health care reform, and the bill Senator Bennett is backing is one of several that are advancing the debate," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.
E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com
Comments
- Soccer MVPs know how to win 1:56 a.m.
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009 1:56 a.m.
- High school soccer: Past MVPs 1:37 a.m.
- Senators want food tax restored 1:27 a.m.
- Utah women lag in higher education 1:16 a.m.
- Hatch empathizes with Muslims 1:14 a.m.
- Matheson gets no thanks from GOP 1:13 a.m.
- Mitchell seeks to block witnesses 1:12 a.m.
- Party insiders may take on Bennett 1:11 a.m.
- Input sought on nondiscrimination 1:11 a.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Soccer MVPs know how to win
- Hope for single moms
- Matheson gets no thanks from GOP
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Mitchell seeks to block witnesses
- House passes health care bill
228 - TCU showdown has big implications
183 - Lobo suspended
182 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
154 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
118 - Thousands protest health bill
114 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
97 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Congrats. Let's hope the team is ready to play and not content to go through...
Riverton throwers keep win them every meet. They have the best throwing coach...
Thank you for the facts, Mr. Jarvis, and I agree with you about George Will.
It's typical. Here this wonderful thing happened and all you guys can talk...
So Senator McCoy wants Matheson's seat. That's understandable. It has to be...
Bennett's lips may draw near to the Constitution, but his heart is far from...
I think non-mormon is either Mr. Ash himself or a strong supporter just...
Reports are all out tonight about my good friend (not) "Nellie" Stephen...
I loved watching Ben at BYU. I remember yelling in the stands "It's 3rd & Ben...
It is sad that just because you can not see, feel or understand something...


You can be the first to comment on this story.