Kennedy Plans To Introduce Universal Health Care Bill
By
Washington
U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., plans to introduce legislation that would require all employers to provide employees with health insurance that offers benefits similar to those provided to federal employees.
Speaking at a conference sponsored by Washington-based Families USA, the health care advocacy group, Kennedy said an employer-based system is the most realistic way to achieve the goal of comprehensive and universal health insurance.
Kennedy said that under his bill, no employer would have to spend more than 12% of payroll for employee health insurance.
If health costs rise faster than a fair average of other costs, the government will cover the difference, he said.
"We will protect Americas ability to compete in the world, and we will keep wages and profits from being consumed by health care costs," Kennedy said.
