The legislation would allow businesses to offer insurance at a lower cost and Republicans and business groups say the ranks of the uninsured would be reduced.
But Democrats and consumer groups who oppose the bill point out that in exchange for the lower costs, insurers would be freed from state requirements that they cover mammograms, childhood physicals and diabetes, as well as other health services.
Under the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., businesses could group together based on their membership in a professional trade association to offer their workers limited health insurance.
The move is expected to benefit small businesses.
