Sen. Baucus Floats Compromise

Senator Max Baucus, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, has proposed a compromise bill for the consideration of his committee. Here's what the New York Times says his proposal contains:

The proposal . . . would impose new fees on some sectors of the health care industry, but none on individuals, to help offset initial costs estimated at $880 billion over 10 years, according to officials familiar with the outline.The plan, circulating among some committee members of both parties, would also offer the option of lower-cost insurance, with protection only against the costs of catastrophic illnesses, to those 25 and younger. In addition, it would provide basic Medicaid coverage to millions of low-income people who are currently ineligible for the program, but the benefits would be less comprehensive than standard Medicaid.

His proposal contains no "public option" but instead focuses on "nonprofit, member-owned insurance cooperatives in the states." You can read more about the Baucus proposal here.