The Legislature's flagship effort to restructure health insurance -- HB188 -- passed the Senate Thursday in amended form and returns to the House for a final nod.

The bill, fresh from several months of task force study, would create the Utah NetCare Plan, a low-cost alternative to current federal COBRA programs available to the unemployed.

By 2010, it would establish an Internet portal where small employer groups would offer streamlined insurance options to their workers.

While HB188 cleared the Senate 27-0, some raised concerns before casting their votes.

Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, wondered if deductibles would be so high that few would benefit from the coverage.

Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, said the pared-down policy would cover preventive care, primary care and prescriptions.

NetCare would be mandate-free, Bell added, which reduces its cost.

"You have to compare it to no policy at all," Bell said.

Cathy McKitrick