So, we went from hoping that we would have the only health care plan that makes sense morally and economically–"Medicare For All", or single-payer–to hoping for a strong public option to…well, something not "robust" (however you define that). And the horse-trading is not over–it seems likely that the public option now being discussed (the Senate version allows states to opt-out of the program) may not survive the on-going legislative back-and-forth.

   Here is what we know, at least from today’s media reports (The Wall Street Journal):

The bill includes a mix of cuts to existing programs and new taxes, including a surtax on high earners, to fully offset its impact on the federal budget. The bill will actually produce a net savings of $30 billion over the first 10 years, according to a news release from Speaker Nancy Pelosi….

The House legislation would require companies with a payroll of $500,000 or more to offer health coverage to employees, or pay a penalty of at least 2% of payroll. Some earlier House versions set the threshold at $250,000. The penalty gradually rises, and firms with payroll greater than $750,000 would pay a penalty of 8% of payroll. Senate versions of the bill have weaker penalties.