News You Can Use: Obama open to taxing health benefits

When President Obama told attendees at this month's White House forum on health care reform that there were "no sacred cows," and "all options are on the table," few suspected he meant taxing health care benefits, as he campaigned hard last year against Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for proposing just that.

However, at a recent Congressional hearing, when Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) raised the issue with presidential budget director Peter Orszag, Orszag said making benefits taxable should “most firmly should remain on the table.” Wyden has crafted a health care reform proposal of his own that would tax benefits.

Although details still have yet to be ironed out, it's believed that employer contributions for health benefits would not be taxed, but that the cost of providing benefits would be factored in to total compensation and subject to taxes.

What do you think of this proposal? It no doubt will be politically unpopular, but could it finance a larger reform effort that is sorely needed? Comment and let me know.

Scone: Benefit managers, Rock the Vote!

Okay, so maybe you’re outside the target demographic for MTV’s get out the vote push. But with less than a week to go until election day, it’s time to make your choice and show the power of your industry as a voting bloc.

For those of you still undecided, here’s a reminder of where Sens. McCain and Obama stand on benefits-related issues from EBN coverage, independent analysis and the candidates themselves.
- Parties diverge on health care reform
- Health reform standing front and center: Democratic presidential candidates agree
- McCain’s health platform taxes benefits as income
- Presidential candidates showcase their small business views
- Best of both worlds key to health care reform

Then take our Daily Diversion quickpoll (right) on the issue that is most important to you in this election. I’m looking forward to reading your responses.

News You Can Use: Best of both worlds key to health reform

The latest issue of Health Affairs features an article that the key to reforming the nation’s health care system is not a red solution or blue solution, but rather a purple solution that blends the best components of Barack Obama’s and John McCain’s proposals. Read the full article here (as well as separate articles featuring detailed breakdowns of the McCain and Obama plans). I don’t generally recommend journal articles, but these three make for a truly interesting read on a topic we could all stand to learn a lot more about.

News You Can Use: Palin's health policy

We've already told you all about John McCain's health care policies and his views on small businesses, but what about those of his running mate, Alaska governor Sarah Palin? Check out this interesting story in today's Washington Post on Palin's health care policies.