Congress may consider tax on executives' health plans

A proposal circulated by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, would pay for sweeping healthcare reform in large part by taxing insurance companies on the most expensive policies they offer. Although no exact policy price threshold has been established, supporters estimate such a tax could raise as much as $180 billion over 10 years. Originally championed by Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA), the tax would also help curb healthcare costs, supporters say, because insurers would be under pressure to reduce costs and premiums on their priciest products to avoid the levy.