WASHINGTON – Sens. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) have released a discussion draft of legislation that would provide for greater disclosure of health insurance costs to workers.

Grassley, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, said once workers are informed, they might seek changes including improved efficiency, reduced waste and fewer unnecessary procedures, balanced with the natural need to have good coverage.

"As long as people are insulated from the cost and just think someone else is paying for it, then it's easy to overlook expenses," Grassley said. "But once they realize they themselves are paying for it, it should spark a genuine conversation about what to do."

Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said finding ways to lower healthcare costs and increase access to coverage for all Americans will be "an important part" of the committee's healthcare reform agenda next year.