WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards released the details of his universal healthcare plan Monday.
The plan, similar to the reform package passed last year in Massachusetts, would require individuals to have coverage, require businesses to contribute for insurance, expand government programs and help people find coverage in the individual market.
Edwards' proposal also includes provisions to improve the quality of care. A new institute focusing on healthcare best practices would be started, and savings would be generated through electronic health records and other ways of streamlining healthcare administration.
The plan would cost between $90 billion and $120 billion per year, Edwards told NBC's "Meet the Press," adding that he would be willing to raise taxes in order to generate the necessary revenues.
Part of the funding could come from repealing President Bush's tax cut for people with incomes about $200,000 per year and collecting more back taxes, he said.
