The first of a two-part series, this report analyzes and compares leading congressional bills and Administration proposals to expand health insurance coverage introduced over 2005-2007. The Commonwealth Fund commissioned The Lewin Group to estimate the effect of the bills on stakeholder and health system costs and the projected number of people who would become newly insured through them. The proposals fall into three categories: those that propose fundamental reform of the health insurance system; those that would expand existing public insurance programs; and those that seek to strengthen employer-based health insurance. The report considers whether the proposals would improve access to care, increase health system efficiency, make the system more equitable, and improve quality of care.

• Congressional Health Care Bills, 2005-2007: Part I Insurance Coverage