Reuters
The for-profit insurance companies are a unique feature of the U.S. health care system. No other developed country has them, and their existence is a key reason Americans spend a much higher share of their national income on health care -- while leaving many people uninsured.
Whatever the exact dimensions of healthcare reform will turn out to be aren't clear. But one thing seems certain: Insurance companies are going to have to cover anyone who applies. They're not going to be able to exclude anyone because of their health history.