Moving into today's vote, Congress is excited that its actually come close to a consensus on health care reform, a feat that has not been accomplished since the Roosevelt Era. But is it enough? The Washington Post clearly lays out the content of the Finance Bill: The Finance Committee's bill is the only legislation on the table that meets Obama's objectives of providing coverage to the uninsured and barring insurance discrimination based on sex and preexisting conditions, among other factors - all for less than $900 billion over 10 years, and without adding to the deficit. Many liberal Democrats, however, view the panel's effort as too meek in key areas, something they say is a reflection of three months of negotiations with Republicans and the moderate leanings of many Democrats on the committee. The measure does not mandate that businesses provide coverage to their workers. Committee members defeated two versions of a government insurance option. And the bill would tax high-value policies that, to the dismay of many liberal lawmakers, could affect some union households. Time further explains: The bill includes consumer protections such as limits on copays and deductibles and relies on federal subsidies to help lower-income families purchase coverage. Insurance companies would have to take all comers, and people could shop for insurance within new state marketplaces called exchanges. Medicaid would be expanded, and though employers wouldn't be required to cover their workers, they'd have to pay a penalty for each employee who sought insurance with government subsidies. The bill is paid for by cuts to Medicare providers and new taxes on insurance companies and others. Unlike the other health care bills in Congress, Baucus' would not allow the government to sell insurance in competition with private companies, a divisive element sought by liberals. Last-minute changes made subsidies more generous and softened the penalties for those who don't comply with a proposed new mandate for everyone to buy ins...

Blog: AUC: 'Real Competition'

AUC: 'Real Competition'