Senate Health Care Bill Raises Concerns (10/14/09)

The Senate Finance Committee yesterday passed its version of a bill that would overhaul the U.S. health care system, clearing the way to move the debate before the full Senate. The bill has raised concerns among working people and union leaders due its lack of a public option, and the inclusion of a so-called "Cadillac tax" on insurance plans which could end up costing middle class workers.

"Health care reform is one of the most important priorities among working people, but as it stands, the version going to the Senate is unacceptable," said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum. "Taxing middle class families and leaving millions of Americans uninsured is the wrong way to go about fixing the broken health care system."

"Most importantly, the bill going to the Senate absolutely needs a public option. It's the only way to reign in the out-of-control insurance companies that have been gouging the public for so long," Appelbaum added.