GOP vs. Dems on Insurance Pools: Just "Semantic" Differences?
Democratic Rep. Rob Andrews (N.J.) said the Republican proposal and the Democratic proposal comes down to a "semantic difference." Does it really?
Republicans put forward in their legislation (PDF) a plan to allow for the creation of "association health plans." Groups like trade industries could create pools to purchase insurance for their employees. They would not have to meet any government-mandated, minimum benefit requirements -- associations would be able to determine which benefits they are willing to pay for.
By contrast, Democrats want to set up government-based "exchanges" in which small companies can pool together. The House passed a bill that included a federal exchange, while the Senate bill would set up state-based exchanges. Insurers offering plans in the exchanges would have to offer a package meeting minimum standards.
"You're defining exactly what kind of insurance people can have," Republican Rep. Paul Ryan (Wisc.) said. "It's just a difference in philosophy."
President Obama said, "We should set up minimum standards... at least solid enough that if your kid got sick, they're actually going to be treated.
"The issue here is... how much should government set a baseline versus just letting people decide, 'I can't really get decent insurance, but maybe this is better than nothing," he added.
More Coverage of the Health Care Summit:
Live Blog: Hotsheet Tracked the Whole Summit Point by Counterpoint
Marc Ambinder: The Summit was a Tie -- And That's Good News for GOP
Reaction and Analysis on Washington Unplugged
Fact Check: The Health Care Summit
Obama Urges Republicans to Do Some "Soul Searching"
Obama: Americans Aren't "Sultans" Who Can Afford Great Health Coverage
Few Women at Health Care Summit
Obama to McCain: "The Election's Over"
All Hotsheet Coverage
