Healthcare bills have much in common

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- The healthcare reform bills by five committees of the U.S. Congress have many items in common, a report by a health advocacy group says.

The report, "The Comprehensive Congressional Health Reform Bills of 2009: A Look at Health Insurance, Delivery System and Financing Provisions," says all of the bills include provisions that:

-- Seek to expand and improve healthcare coverage by building on the strongest aspects of the mixed public-private system, employer-sponsored insurance and Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, while reorganizing and regulating the individual and small group insurance markets.

-- Establish requirements for insurers to offer coverage to all Americans who apply and prohibit them from denying coverage or charging more based on people's health.

-- Create a new health insurance exchange or exchanges.

-- Set an essential benefit standard for health insurance.

-- Provide subsidies to help people afford insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

-- Require everyone to have health insurance.

-- Have employers share responsibility for financing coverage.

-- Improve healthcare quality and outcomes while controlling costs.

-- Invest in primary care and provide more funding for prevention and wellness.

-- Test innovative provider payment methods.

The report also points out there are differences among the bills in how reform would be financed, and what actions would be taken to control costs and expand coverage.