Senate Investigating Mini-Med "Junk" Health Plans

The Senate has widened its investigation into health plans offered by McDonalds and other companies that provide workers little protection from emergency costs. An estimated 1.4 million workers in the US are covered by these "mini-med" policies which often cap annual benefits between $2,000 and $10,000, leaving workers with little financial protection when disaster strikes.

"They're junk plans," said Stephen Finan, senior director of policy at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. "They have the pretense of providing coverage that is unreal. But, unfortunately, virtually all consumers of these products don't realize it until it's too late."

The recently passed health care reform law is expected eliminate these plans over the next few years as low wage workers will be offered tax credits to help them afford more comprehensive insurance. In the meantime, the Senate is investigating whether these plans should be spared from tighter regulations until these reforms take effect. -- Wall Street Journal