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US auto workers urged to back health care reform
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-25 04:12

CHICAGO: The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is urging its members to back a bill in US Congress to reform health care coverage, citing a provision that includes $10 billion  to defray the medical costs of union members and others in retiree group health care associations, reports reaching here said on Monday.

The bill, approved by a House committee late last month, includes Section 164, a reinsurance program for retirees, according to a summary of the bill from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's office. It sets aside $10 billion to establish a temporary reinsurance program to defray the medical costs of union members.

The UAW said the provision would benefit a "wide range of retiree health care plans, including those sponsored by large private-sector employers, by state and local governments."

The UAW was among a number of unions to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House on July 13 to discuss health care reform and other issues.