[Myrddin]

I'm paying about $240 every pay period (2 weeks) for my healthcare coverage. That money is taken from my gross earning and excluded from my federal taxable wages. It is an Aetna PPO at company group sponsored rates. It still comes with $1500 per person per year "deductible". If I understand this proposal from Bush, I'm going to be taxed on whatever value is placed on the company "contribution" to the group insurance coverage. I didn't use ANY of my medical coverage last year. That's been the case 5 out of the past 6 years.

I'm currently cruising through TurboTax after receiving the W2 for myself and my wife. My federal taxes are around $38,000 this year...and I'm not finished. My company went public and forced a dividend down the throat of every stockholder to buy down the stock price before splitting. That was equity I really didn't want drained. Now I have to wait for a 1099-DIV to continue doing my taxes.

[oceanview]

and that's why, when people see that they are being taxed on their employer provided health benefit - their first reaction will be "I barely use this plan, so I'll drop it to save on taxes". this tax idea will result in less people having coverage. as a general rule, if you want LESS of something - tax it. tax employer provided health benefits, you'll get less of it. and those newly uninsured people, will be more willing to accept the idea of a national health care plan.