Will Massachusetts Health Bill become National?

[mrbowler]

Im going to do some more research about the details of this. I wonder if this will draw more people from other states who have health related problems to come live in the state? How is this going to be enforced? Seems that business will decide that it is better to dump employer sponsored programs, and just pay the $295-per-employee business assessment/tax/fee which is cheap compared to what it costs them currently to provide health care-this assumes that they are currently providing-Im not sure what the details are, but for a small bus. that might not provide any coverage?? It appears that in the long run this has the potential to become a national health care plan, but done on a state level-except that Insurance companies would offer different choices and individuals would be able to decide....what do others think will develop here??

Mass. Lawmakers OK Mandatory Health Bill:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]

"The plan - approved just 24 hours after the final details were released - would use a combination of financial incentives and penalties to dramatically expand access to health care over the next three years and extend coverage to the state's estimated 500,000 uninsured."

[mrbowler]

I read in this article:

[Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]

"Which would be levied on businesses with more than 10 employees if they do not provide insurance to their workers."

"The proposed payroll tax would be 5 percent on companies with 11 to 100 employees and 7 percent on businesses with 100 or more workers. Companies with 10 or fewer workers would be exempt."

"Currently, businesses that offer health coverage to their workers chip in extra money, either through a surcharge built into their premiums or in a payment made directly to the state, to help cover the cost of care for the state's uninsured. Employers that don't provide insurance don't have to contribute."