Stark Introduces Universal Health Care Bill

"Employers, unions, consumer groups and presidential candidates are all debating not whether our health care system needs reform, but how it should be improved," Stark said, calling his legislation "a simple proposal that would guarantee quality health care for all, reduce costs and improve quality for people who already have coverage."

Based on a study conducted this year, Stark estimated the cost of his bill at $154.5 billion. He estimated that, if enacted, the bill would save households $142.6 billion, state and local governments $57.4 billion and private employers $15.2 billion.

As a result, he estimated, its net impact on health care costs would be a $60.7 billion reduction in overall spending.

Under the bill, all eligible beneficiaries would be covered either through their employer or through AmeriCare, a new program modeled on Medicare.

It would be financed through contributions from employers, individuals and states, Stark said.