\n\nThis would have severe effects on the more than 100 million Americans who have private health insurance today:
\n* The government would mandate not only that you must buy health insurance, but what health insurance counts as \u00e2\u0080\u009cqualifying.\u00e2\u0080\u009d
\n* Health insurance premiums would rise as a result of the law, meaning lower wages.
\n* A government-appointed board would determine what items and services are \u00e2\u0080\u009cessential benefits\u00e2\u0080\u009d that your qualifying plan must cover.
\n* You would find a tremendous new disincentive to switch jobs, because your new health insurance may be subject to the new rules and would therefore be significantly more expensive.
\n* Those who keep themselves healthy would be subsidizing premiums for those with risky or unhealthy behaviors.
\n* Far more than half of all Americans would be eligible for subsidies, but we have not yet been told who would pay the bill.
\n* The Secretaries of Treasury and HHS would have unlimited discretion to impose new taxes on individuals and employers who do not comply with the new mandates.
\n* The Secretary of HHS could mandate that you provide him or her with \u00e2\u0080\u009cany such other information as [he/she] may prescribe.\u00e2\u0080\u009d
\n
via KeithHennessey.com \u00c2\u00bb Understanding the Kennedy health care bill.
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