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Durbin Says It's Not His Health Care Bill, But It's Not Bad
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says the health care reform bill isn't what he wanted, but it still has a lot of virtues.

Durbin says there are things missing in the health care measure that passed the Senate on Christmas Eve, but if it's enacted into law as is, it will still provide benefits, including insurance for 1.1 million of the 1.8 million Illinois residents who lack insurance now.

The bill also bans insurers from dropping customers if they become sick, establishes a risk pool so people with existing conditions can get coverage, and provides tax credits for small businesses.

The plan is paid for with a tax increase on individuals making more than $200,000 a year, and couples making more than $250,000.

The Senate and House versions will have to be reconciled before the measure is sent to the president. Durbin says like Social Security and Medicare, this program can be expanded over time.

Durbin made his remarks in an address Monday to staffers at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 05 10 by Newsroom
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