AP sources: Obama OKs taxing high-end health plans

[Madtown HD Junkie]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100106/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul


WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama signaled to House Democratic leaders Wednesday that they'll have to drop their opposition to taxing high-end health insurance plans to pay for health coverage for millions of uninsured Americans.

In a meeting at the White House, Obama expressed his preference for the insurance tax contained in the Senate's health overhaul bill, but largely opposed by House Democrats and organized labor, Democratic aides said. The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private.

[Skyhi]

I wonder what they consider a high-end health plan?

[HDRoberts]

I wonder what they consider a high-end health plan?

One big area of the bill I have a problem with.

$8,000 singles
$21,000 families.

Those should be higher. I also don't think a single plan really costs a third of family plans. I think I'll get hit. What they need to go after is the $40,000 plans some executives get with no deductible, coinsurance, or limits, and pay for "health" retreats at spas.

But I'm hoping the city changes plans and ups our pay instead. Truthfully, I'd rather have more pay and a cheaper health plan.

[Skyhi]

BS. If I wanted a president to support taxing health insurance, I would have voted for McCain.

[HDRoberts]

BS. If I wanted a president to support taxing health insurance, I would have voted for McCain.

I have no problem with it. The only thing is I;d make the threshold $15k single, $30k family, and make it a marginal tax.

[msmith198025]

I have no problem with it. The only thing is I;d make the threshold $15k single, $30k family, and make it a marginal tax.

Of course you would. Chances are then it wouldnt effect you, as much anyway. Tax those rich people and their evil high cost health plans though.....

[Skyhi]

Of course you would. Chances are then it wouldnt effect you, as much anyway. Tax those rich people and their evil high cost health plans though.....
Yes please. Tax those rich people, NOT their high costs health plans. And for the record, I'm not calling for a the highest marginal bracket to be 50%. Just roll the top 2 brackets back to what they were under Clinton.

[HDRoberts]

Of course you would. Chances are then it wouldnt effect you, as much anyway. Tax those rich people and their evil high cost health plans though.....

No, I'd say count those as income, rather than allow what amounts to tax evasion by giving overly generous heath plans. They were made tax exempt to encourage employers to offer health coverage. Not to give people paid vacations as spas tax free.

What, does heath care for the rich cost more, that this doesn't amount to extra compensation?

I'm with SkyHi. I just want status quo ante when it comes to marginal tax rates.

[Skyhi]

No, I'd say count those as income, rather than allow what amounts to tax evasion by giving overly generous heath plans. They were made tax exempt to encourage employers to offer health coverage. Not to give people paid vacations as spas tax free.

What, does heath care for the rich cost more, that this doesn't amount to extra compensation?

I'm with SkyHi. I just want status quo ante when it comes to marginal tax rates.
BINGO! It is disguised income to enable tax evasion - - pure and simple! I just don't want insurance to be taxed because of the whole slippery slope thing.