What are the major differences between the Democrats bill and the Republicans plan?
The bill heading to the Senate floor Tuesday is a Democrat-backed plan introduced by Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass, John McCain, R-Ariz., and John Edwards, D-N.C. In state court, injured patients could sue insurers over medical decisions that prove harmful. Patients could win unlimited awards for lost wages and other economic damages; unlimited pain and suffering awards and other non-economic damages; and unlimited punitive damages. The exception would be in about 30 states, where laws limit such awards or damages. In federal court, injured patients could sue over contract disputes, such as eligibility or co-payments, and win unlimited awards for losses and suffering. Punitive damages meant to send insurers a message are capped at $5 million. The plan backed by President Bush and Republican leaders guarantees basic coverage rights. But their plan would restrict patient lawsuits to federal courts. It does not allow punitive damages. Pain and suffering awards would be capped at $500,000.
