Cadillacs are in the eye of the beholder

The intent is pure. The execution, however, may have the opposite of its intended effect. All week we've heard about the many working class Americans who've given up raises and instead taken more generous coverage from their employers, making them members of the so-called Cadillac club. Speaking as a member of America's cancer community, I can't help but wonder whether survivors may have even more difficulty finding an insurer to cover them and being able to afford that coverage. If their insurers pass along the cost of a 35 or higher percent tax with higher premiums, then reform has not achieved its desired outcome - consumers with reliable, affordable insurance. And, judging by recent trends, there's little doubt that insurers would pass that cost along post haste. Sen. Baucus deserves due credit for seeing a difficult process through to the end and for trying to put forth solutions. We're certainly learning as a result of his efforts, regardless of the final outcome. Hopefully, we'll see more of that spirit of solution-seeking in Congress as we draw nearer to the hoped-for Thanksgiving deadline.

By Doug Ulman  |  September 25, 2009; 10:27 AM ET  | Category:  Health Care Reform , Health costs , Insurance , Taxes
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