Isn't this a plan that is actually "bold" and "visionary"?
The Dodd plan will create a health insurance marketplace called the Universal HealthMart that is based on, and parallel to, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP). Individuals and businesses will pay for coverage within Universal HealthMart based on their ability to pay. If a person or business is unable to pay for insurance, the government will subsidize their premium share on a sliding scale based on income. Universal HealthMart will offer a variety of comprehensive plans and entitle every American to the same benefits and types of plans as Members of Congress.
If people fail to enroll, they will be automatically enrolled in Universal HealthMart or Medicaid, depending on eligibility. Participants are enrolled at point of service when they show up for care, when they file income tax forms, or when they complete W-4 forms at the start of employment.
If an individual prefers to continue existing coverage or if an employer prefers to continue to offer coverage to its employees through its own carrier outside of Universal HealthMart, the individual or employer may do so. However, with Universal HealthMart, employers will have a large array of plans from which to choose at large group rather than small business prices. This approach provides affordable private coverage for the best benefits, allows employers to provide insurance directly if they want to, and lets the plan operator take care of all administrative costs and functions. These are highly attractive features to employers who wish to provide coverage. If an employer chooses not to offer coverage, an employer defined contribution will be made into Universal HealthMart to help workers pay for insurance.
http://chrisdodd.com/node/1924
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