Sen. Feingold proposes legislation for pilot projects

Here is an article that outlines a new proposal from Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold. It basically is meant to encourage state governments to experiment with Universal Healthcare models. The positive aspect to it is that if a state wanted to implement a single payer system, there would be funding available to pursue that.

Feingold unveils health-care plan
BY FREDERIC J. FROMMER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON - Sen. Russ Feingold said Monday he will push legislation that would set up pilot projects to help states provide universal health coverage, delving into an area that could help broaden his appeal as he contemplates a presidential run.

"The time has come to see if we can get across our ideological differences -- which are serious -- and to see if we can at least get off the dime with the idea of pilot projects," Feingold, D-Wis., said. "I thought it was time basically to break a logjam."

An estimated 46 million Americans lack health insurance.

Feingold plans to introduce the legislation in Congress later this week or early next week. He acknowledged it has no chance of passing this year but said he wants to have something ready for when a new Congress takes over next year.

Under Feingold's bill, the federal government would set up a program that would allow selected states to design their own health coverage plans. Feingold estimates the legislation would cost $32 billion over 10 years, and two or three states could participate, or groups of states could apply together.

Ann Marie Hauser, spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, suggested Feingold instead join Republican leaders and "mainstream Democrats" on expanding health-care savings accounts.

Under Feingold's bill, a federal task force would select which state proposals to fund and oversee their implementation.

To pay for the program, Feingold calls for savings in other areas of government, including:

• Increasing the rebate that drug manufacturers pay to Medicaid, which would yield an estimated $8.3 billion over 10 years.

• Increasing the passenger security fee collected by airlines from $2.50 for nonstop travelers to $5, which President Bush has proposed for next year's budget. The plan estimates this would bring in $15.5 billion over 10 years.

• Extending customs and border fees, set to expire in 2014, for two years, which would bring in an estimated $6.25 billion.