Sen. Kennedy offers broad proposal for universal health-care

WASHINGTON -- Renewing his call for universal health care, Sen. Edward Kennedy is offering a plan to provide coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

"It is unacceptable that any American is uninsured. Quality, affordable health insurance for every American is a matter of simple justice," Kennedy, D-Mass., said in speech prepared for Thursday night at the Harvard School of Public Health. "The time is long overdue for America to join the rest of the industrial world in recognizing this fundamental right."

Kennedy said he planned to introduce legislation when the new Congress convenes in January that would require all employers with more than five workers to provide health insurance for employees and their dependents. The coverage would have to be as good as that provided for federal employees. For those with low incomes, the government would offer subsidies to help pay premiums.