WASHINGTON (CN) - Health-care legislation passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee 13-10 Wednesday, an important step towards a future bill. After a close vote, the act still needs to pass through another committee, as well as the full Senate and Congress.
The act would require businesses with at least 25 employees would be required to provide insurance for their workers. Individuals not covered already would be obliged to purchase health care. Those that do not would pay a fee reflecting the cost of health care.
If employers don't offer coverage, they would be required to pay $750 annually for each employee that is not covered.
The legislation would also create a government plan to compete against private insurers.
The Senate Finance Committee has yet to determine how the legislation will be funded, and will also vote on the bill.
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