Chris Dodd
Chris Dodd is the senior Senator from Connecticut. He has served as a U.S. Senator since 1981. Dodd has also served as U.S. Representative from 1975 to 1981. He was born May 27, 1944 in Willimantic, Connecticut.
Chris Dodd's health care proposal would implement universal coverage over the first 4 years of his presidential term.
The anchor of Senator Dodd's health plan is the creation of the insurance marketplace, the Universal HealthMart. The Universal HealthMart is a copy of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP), the program that provides insurance for the members of Congress.
For those who cannot afford coverage by themselves, the government will provide assistance on a sliding scale based on annual income. Plans from the Universal HealthMart will also be completely portable — citizens will be allowed to keep their coverage if they change jobs. Employers can also purchase insurance for their employees through the Universal HealthMart.
The HealthMart will offer a wide array of insurance coverage options for both employers and individuals.
Dodd will also allow Americans choice in the plan they want. If they are satisfied with current coverage, they are free to keep it. Employers can obtain health insurance for their employees from a private insurance company or the HealthMart. If businesses choose not to provide insurance, they must pay to help their workers get coverage.
All children will be insured automatically, with the same coverage as children of members of Congress.
Dodd will help reverse rising health care costs by offering rewards for improving individual health and focusing on preventive care. He will also invest in health information technology to reduce administrative costs.
Senator Dodd does not intend to raise taxes to fund his plan. Much of the cost of his plan would be paid for with the savings of a more efficient health care system. Dodd would also redirect funds currently going toward the war in Iraq.
Sources
Chris Dodd for President: Affordable Health Care for All Americans
http://chrisdodd.com/issues/healthcare
Chris Dodd for President: Health Care for All: The Dodd Plan
http://chrisdodd.com/node/1924
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Health Plan Summary
Offer coverage to all Americans through the Universal HealthMart
Provide government assistance to low-income individuals and families who can't afford coverage
Insure all children
Require employers to offer coverage to their workers
Reward doctors and hospitals for providing quality care