Oppose the Baucus Health Care Bill: Privacy

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Senator Max Baucus' health care bill is the current star in the Senate and is currently in markup in the Senate Finance Committee. While they rejected an amendment today to add a public option to the bill, there is still a lot to dislike in its current form. For instance:

Invades Your Privacy - The Baucus bill enforces both its individual and employer mandates by deputizing the Internal Revenue Service. To enforce these provisions, the bill would therefore require individuals, health insurers, employers, and government health agencies to report detailed health insurance information on all Americans to the IRS, adding significant administrative costs and reducing privacy protections. The IRS would also be required to report personal income data to state exchanges, insurance companies, and employers because premium credits and out-of-pocket limits would depend on income.