WASHINGTON -- If the House bill were to become law, some changes in the way health insurance would work in the United States would result. Here's a look at what the bill does:
1. Creates a government-run plan, or "public option," to offer insurance coverage. Would compete with private sector.
2. Sets up health insurance "exchanges," or marketplaces, where consumers can easily compare coverage and rates.
3. Requires nearly everyone to obtain health insurance coverage starting in 2013.
4. Requires health plans to allow young adults to remain on their parents' policies till their 27th birthday.
5. Provides federal financial help for lower- and middle-income consumers so they can obtain coverage.
6. Bars insurers from denying or limiting coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
7. Bars insurers from imposing lifetime limits on coverage.
8. Expands Medicaid coverage to more people.
9. Imposes a 5.4 percent surcharge on adjusted gross incomes of more than $500,000 for individuals and $1 million for joint filers.
10. Imposes penalties on people and businesses who fail to comply with the new law.
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