Congress is split on effort to tax costly health plans

A proposed tax on high-cost, or "Cadillac," health insurance plans started a clash between the Senate and the House as they wrestle over how to pay for legislation that would provide health benefits to millions of uninsured Americans. Supporters say that the tax is essential to tamping down medical spending and that over 10 years it would generate more than $200 billion, nearly a fourth of what is needed to pay for the legislation. Critics say the tax would quickly spiral out of control and hit middle-class workers.