国际英语新闻：U.S. auto workers urged to back health care reform

CHICAGO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is urging its members to back a bill in U.S. Congress to reform health care coverage, citing a provision that includes 10 billion U.S. dollars 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 dollars 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.