And at this point, not even because of the GOP.
So, according to some Dems, we
- cannot have single payer
- cannot have a real public option
- healthcare insurance will be mandatory
- but
those who have it from their business will be taxed over a certain revenue not yet determined.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/21/AR2009052104184.html?hpid=moreheadlines
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), who expects to unveil health-reform legislation next month, has said he is not interested in closing the loophole, but in establishing limits. Among the options: Taxing only the benefits of high-earning individuals who make at least $200,000 a year ($400,000 for families). Or taxing benefits for all workers above some pre-set amount. One figure under discussion is $13,000, the national average value of employer-provided coverage for families.
Both options have disadvantages. Taxing only wealthy families, for example, "doesn't make sense," said Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), because it would raise too little money -- only about $160 billion over 10 years, according to Finance Committee aides. But "you've got to be very careful how far you go" down the income ladder, Kerry said. "If you come down too low, you're impacting workers and threatening the employer-based system."
...
Some Democrats are particularly concerned that the tax would fall heavily on union members, who tend to have generous health packages sometimes derided as "Cadillac" plans. But those plans are expensive because they include dental and vision benefits, large provider networks and low copayments -- "things every American wants and should have," said Richard Kirsch, national campaign manager of Health Care for America Now, a coalition of unions and community organizations. Kirsch yesterday endorsed an alternative tax plan drafted by Citizens for Tax Justice that would target corporations and the wealthy for $1 trillion in tax hikes over the next decade.
So, now, those who have a decent insurance by their job could be taxed, but they do not want to offer a decent public option affordable to all.