2 years ago
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According to a recent Consumer Reports issue, our healthcare system leaves out about 46 million people.
Changing the system is a top priority in this year's race; both major-party candidates promise dramatic reforms for those not on Medicare.
Sen. John McCain would create a deregulated national insurance market that would allow consumers to buy policies across state lines, expand individual coverage and rely on that competition to drive costs down.
He would also require people with coverage through their jobs to pay income tax on the premiums their employers' pay, which are tax free today.
McCain would offset that by providing a tax credit of $2, 500 for individuals, $5,000 for families.
As for Sen. Barack Obama, his plan involves preserving the existing job-based insurance system, while extending coverage to those who lack it.
Through his National Health Insurance Exchange, people and small businesses could buy private insurance.
Policies would have to meet a minimum standard; insurers could not turn people down, exclude pre-existing conditions or raise prices for the sick. He also requires that all children be covered.
At Wednesday night's presidential debate, both McCain and Obama attacked the other's plan.
Obama said, "Under Senator McCain's plan there is a strong risk that people would lose their employer-based healthcare. That's the choice you'll have is having your employer no longer provide your healthcare."
McCain said, "Senator Obama wants government to do the job. I want, Joe, you to do the job. I want to leave money in your pocket. I want you to be able to choose the health care for you and your family."
What remains to be seen is how the candidates plan to pay for the reforms. Both campaigns have estimated prices, but the analysts' numbers are a bit different and much higher.
The candidates do agree on some things, according to Consumer Reports, they agree on an electronic medical records system, lowering drug costs and better coordination of care.
