Group to offer $15.5 billion proposal for universal healthcare in Maryland

Healthcare advocates plan to unveil an ambitious $15.5 billion proposal for universal healthcare in Maryland that would increase payroll taxes to pay for coverage for low-income residents and create a quasi-governmental insurance pool. The Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, with health policy experts from the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, crafted the proposal. The groups plan to build a coalition of labor unions, faith groups, and community organizations.