Max Baucus: “I think we should have universal coverage with an appropriate mix of public and private coverage so that every American…”

“I think we should have universal coverage with an appropriate mix of public and private coverage so that every American has coverage. So I think for the Senator from Kentucky to make a charge that we are for universal coverage, I am, as is our President. Most Americans want universal coverage. My point is, what form and what way? I think it is important to remember one thing. What does this CHIP bill do compared to current law? The charge is that it expands eligibility, it goes to upper income kids, and so on and so forth, it is another step in Government health care. That is the charge. That is not the fact. This bill is more restrictive than current law--more restrictive than current law.”