Congress examines access bills

A Democrat-backed health care reform bill is emerging as one of the most prominent insurance reform proposals among more than 20 House and Senate bills. The legislation, HealthAmerica: Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act (S. 1227), would attempt to provide universal access to health care for all Americans through what is known as a play or pay system. Employers would be allowed to choose between offering health insurance to their employees and dependents (to play) or contribute to a public program which will provide coverage for those without employer-based insurance (to pay).