More Details on Health Care Reform Released, Major Obstacles Remain

This week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee released draft legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system. The 615-page bill would require all Americans to receive medical insurance, establish insurance exchanges and increase oversight of the insurance industry. Despite the length of the draft legislation, details on the complex issues such as a government-sponsored insurance plan and financing were not included. Some issues included in the draft proposal include: individual mandates; a yet to be determined employer "play or pay" mandate; a yet to be determined new public health insurance option; minimum benefit requirements to be determined by a newly created advisory board; subsidies for individuals and small businesses; expansion of Medicaid; insurance market reforms; and new prevention and wellness programs. Also, the draft bill exempts unions from additional requirements for 1 year. The HELP Committee's draft is the first of three Democratic plans expected to be unveiled.  The Senate Finance committee and a "Tri-Committee" health reform bill (from the House's 3 committees of jurisdiction) are still working on their versions.  Despite the lack of details on the complex issues and a yet to be determined cost estimate for reform, the committees are planning to move forward with considering the drafts in their respective committees starting next week.  Democratic leadership continues to work towards a final bill by the August recess and to present the President with a bill to sign by October. At this time, all of the proposals could still contain employer mandates, a government-sponsored insurance plan and taxed employer-provided health care benefits. AGC is closely monitoring the developments and will advocate on behalf of the construction industry as the debate progresses.