Healthcare bills would boost states' authority on premiums, benefits

Chicago Tribune, November 16, 2009

Under the healthcare bill passed by the U.S. House, insurance policies largely geared to those without coverage would be offered on an exchange, or insurance marketplace, to help consumers purchase health plans, many using newly created federal subsidies. Legislation before the U.S. Senate would have exchanges regulated at the state level with insurance directors having a say in what policies are sold while monitoring health plan performance and quality, the Chicago Tribune reports. Analysts say proposed legislation should make the products offered more standardized, while giving regulators more say.