 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Presidential Candidates’ Views on Health Care ReformHealth care for all Americans is among the most important domestic issues facing our nation and, following suit, the Democratic and Republican presumptive presidential nominees have each said that health care is among their top campaign priorities. However, their views differ on how the federal government should address the issue. Generally, Republican Senator John McCain’s view is to make the smallest number of changes to the current system and to advocate a free market to reduce cost and increase quality. The Democrat candidate, Senator Barak Obama, calls for a bigger role for the federal government. The Democrats want to regulate insurers and offer Americans a menu of insurance choices, such as those available to federal employees. The DemocratSen. Obama’s plans would require employers to provide insurance — or pay into a common fund to defray the cost of insurance for everyone. His plan offers people a chance to buy government-offered insurance, or, if they prefer, to keep their current private or employer-based insurance. While Sen. Obama wants all Americans to be covered, he would mandate coverage only for children, believing that adults will purchase insurance if there are affordable options. Obama proposes tax breaks to help make insurance more affordable. The RepublicanSen. McCain, proposes to increase access to coverage by encouraging competition among private-sector providers along with market solutions, such as walk-in retail clinics. He also seeks to expand health savings accounts so that people can save for health care on their own. Like Sen. Obama, Sen. McCain also proposes tax breaks, but only to low-income people buying private insurance. Sen. McCain would not make coverage mandatory. To see the candidates’ plans in full, or to compare plan details side by side, visit www.health08.org/sidebyside.cfm. |