FACTBOX: How do U.S. healthcare proposals compare?

(Reuters) - Lawmakers in Congress are working on three versions of proposals to overhaul the U.S. healthcare system. Many of these changes would be phased in over a number of years.

In the House of Representatives, three committees have each approved changes to one House bill. The changes will be melded by House leaders into final legislation before a floor vote expected in September.

In the Senate, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has approved its version and the Senate Finance Committee is working on a separate healthcare overhaul bill.

The following is a comparison of major points in the various proposals.

INSURANCE MARKET REFORMS

All bills include the following:

Bar discrimination based on gender or pre-existing medical conditions.

Coverage is guaranteed and benefits could not be rescinded after coverage is issued.

No annual or lifetime caps on benefit payments.

* Senate Health Committee and Finance Committee

Premiums could vary only on family size, geographic region, tobacco use, age and benefits provided.

Coverage is guaranteed and benefits could not be rescinded after coverage is issued.

Insurers must provide financial incentives for quality and preventive care.

* House bill

Would eliminate co-pays for preventive care.

COVERAGE