Legislation
The charts in this section provide side-by-side comparisons of legislation being proposed by members of the United States Congress and the administration of President George W. Bush to extend health care coverage to more Americans. The charts were prepared by the firm Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., for CoverTheUninsured.org. These charts will be periodically updated throughout the year. For an overview of the criteria used to research and prepare these charts, read the Criteria for Bill Selection. View bills from the 109th Congress, 108th Congress or 107th Congress.
110th Congress
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Proposals to Reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
These proposals seek to reauthorize SCHIP and provide for new expansion options for states. Other changes to SCHIP or Medicaid coverage for children are also provided within these proposals.
Tax Incentives for Employer-Based Health Insurance
These proposals use tax incentives to encourage employers (including self-employed businesses) to sponsor health insurance plans or provide certain health-related fringe benefits that are excluded from federal taxation. Included are proposals related to Medical Savings Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Cafeteria Plans, Flexible Spending Arrangements, and business tax credits.
Tax Credit/Deduction Approaches to Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
These proposals use tax credits or deductions to encourage individuals and families to purchase health insurance or to help them pay for unreimbursed medical expenditures. Not included in this table are bills that solely modify the existing tax treatment of employer-sponsored health benefits or the self-employed health insurance deduction. (See Tax Incentives for Employer-Based Health Insurance).
Proposals To Increase Health Insurance Coverage Through New Public Programs
These proposals seek to expand the availability of health insurance coverage through establishment of new public programs. (Also includes proposals to require employers to provide health insurance.)
Proposals To Increase Health Insurance Coverage Through Medicaid or SCHIP
These proposals give states the option or require states to cover certain legal aliens under the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. These bills specifically target pregnant women and children who are legal resident aliens.
Proposals to Expand the Availability of Health Insurance Coverage
These proposals seek to expand the availability of health insurance coverage through the expansion of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, pooling of individuals or small employers into large groups, or through expansions of COBRA health insurance continuation coverage.
Other Approaches to Expanding Coverage
These are proposals that do not fit into the other classifications of legislation