Baucus Changes Health Bill Over Dems' Concerns
Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee revises bill a day before it hits session
Updated 6:00 PM EDT, Mon, Sep 21, 2009
Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Max Baucus (D-Mont.) revised his controversial health care bill Monday to reflect concerns from key Democrats over whether the legislation will actually make health care affordable for low-income families.
The bill, which is expected to extend coverage to about 20 million Americans, would require almost everyone to buy insurance or pay a penalty fee. Democrats on the committee and in the Senate have voiced concerns over whether the $856 billion bill has high enough subsidies to lower insurance costs enough to be affordable and over a new tax on high-value insurance plans.
Baucus is taking into consideration as he amends the bill a flurry of Senate suggestions that could be incorporated in the bill's revisions before it hits the floor Tuesday at the committee meeting.
Democrats need 60 votes to advance the bill.
Get more: MSNBC
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Philadelphia
First Published: Sep 21, 2009 4:47 PM EDT
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