Ohio legislator proposes subsidies to expand health coverage

Subsidizing claims of more than $15,000 a year for certain chronic diseases and requiring insurance companies to cover those claims is a centerpiece of a health-care reform bill introduced by Ohio Rep. Jim Raussen, R-Springdale, chairman of the House's Health Care Access and Affordability committee. The bill would also subsidize coverage for small companies, make it easier for children to be covered on their parents' policy and provide incentives for doctors and hospitals to computerize records. The proposals could cost $150 million to $500 million over the next six years.