Lt. Governor to announce health care plan
12 02 08 - 12:08
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - People and businesses in Rhode Island would be required to purchase health insurance or face penalties under a proposal from Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts.
more stories like thisRoberts' plan is modeled after a similar law in Massachusetts that requires every citizen to have health insurance.
Her legislative package, to be announced Tuesday, would require individuals who earn at least $40,840 and families making $82,600 to purchase insurance.
If they do not, they would give up a tax exemption. Businesses with more than 10 employees that do not offer health insurance would be forced to pay an annual $1,000 assessment per worker.
"It's not a simple process. There will need to be a lot of public dialogue and debate," Roberts said.
"This bill doesn't say a year from now every Rhode Islander will have health insurance," she added.
Roberts, a Democrat and former state senator, has not announced a way to finance the plan. People who cannot afford health insurance might be exempt from the requirement for several years.
The General Assembly would have to approve each element of Roberts' plan, which also includes a proposal that health insurers be required to reimburse doctors and nurses for the time they spend educating patients about their conditions.
Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/