Leavitt to crisscross nation, ensure affordable health insurance

Washington --Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt told reporters today he will spend 100 days crisscrossing the nation to work with states in order to ensure that each provides basic, affordable health insurance.

Leavitt's comments came after newly elected Democratic leaders made good on their promise to pass a slew of laws during their first 100 hours of controlling Congress.

In his State of the Union address last night, President Bush outlined health insurance tax deductions for all, with up to $15,000 in tax deductions for families. He also wants to redirect a portion of the $38.5 billion now spent annually to cover hospital expenses racked up by the uninsured to help states provide affordable health insurance.

Leavitt said the federal government will partner with states to "close the gap" on affordability.