The Democratic reform proposals in Congress mandate that people have health insurance and provide for different levels of government subsidies, which causes debate on how much people should pay for their health care. NPR reports on the bill released Wednesday by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus: "The latest bill, however, provides less generous subsidies, which could make it harder for middle-class families to afford the mandatory insurance."
NPR interviewed Mark Freedman, an economics teacher who made slightly more than the cut-off point for subsidized insurance in Massachusetts and has been unable to afford insurance. NPR reports: "Critics complain the Baucus bill would lead to big, out-of-pocket expenses for middle income families. They'd be required to buy insurance or pay a penalty of up to $3,800 a year. In a bid for Republican votes, the Baucus plan does not include a public insurance option, which proponents say would help lower cost. Baucus says he is still committed to providing choice in competition in the insurance market through nonprofit co-ops, if necessary. In Massachusetts, the combination of mandatory insurance and public subsidies has worked, all but about four percent of working age adults in the state now have insurance. But researcher (Carol Pryor of the Access Project) says for many middle income families affordable coverage is still out of reach" (Horsley, 9/16).