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WASHINGTON - MARCH 09: A man carries a props money bag during a rally at the Lafayette Square March 9, 2009 in Washington, DC.

According to a new study, set to be released Wednesday by The Cato Institute, contends that health care reforms proposed by Democrats could have unintended economic consequences. The slate of mandates, subsidies, tax penalties and regulations could potentially trap Americans in low-wage jobs, while subjecting them to higher taxes. Removing insurers’ ability to deny health insurance based on pre-existing conditions would allow people to purchase policies only when they were sick, thus driving premiums up. Could the drive for universal health coverage lead to catastrophic economic illness?

Guests:

Michael Cannon, Director of health policy studies, CATO Institute

Gerald Kominski, Professor, Department of Health Services, UCLA School of Public Health; Associate Director, UCLA Center for Health Policy Research