Election 2008: Obama, McCain and Health Insurance
Many are calling this the most important election you have ever voted in. If you fall into an older demographic you may have taken part in some other historically significant elections, but few will argue against the fact that this is a crucial and unstable time in the United States. With health insurance being such a selling point in both Barack Obama and John McCain’s campaign, it is imperative that you understand what each candidate believes is sufficient health insurance for America’s citizens. Whether you lean to the left or to the right, knowing where your preferred candidate stands on health insurance could not be more important. Your health and well-being literally depends on it.
The Uninsured in America
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 15.6% of Americans did not have health coverage in 2003. This number could have gone up or down since then, but the fact that so many of this country’s citizens go without healthcare is subject for an entirely different article. However, for the 243.3 million who are fortunate to have health insurance, what is going to happen to your HMO’s, your employer supplied plans, and your Medical care after the new president takes office? The difference between the two candidates’ ideas on reforming and “improving” the current system differ drastically, so read on and think carefully.
John McCain
If John McCain, self proclaimed “maverick” for American ideals and best interests, takes over the Oval Office after November, the healthcare/health insurance system as we know it will become almost unrecognizable. At first glance, it doesn’t look so bad. Americans would get to choose from a variety of nationwide and statewide insurance programs, supposedly being able to reach across state lines if you see something you like in your neighboring state. You would also get a tax credit of $2,500 to $5,000 in order to purchase these health insurance plans with. “High risk” patients might get lucky if a GAP (Government Access Plan) gets set up, because this would make sure that they get treatment.
Now, this all may sound terrific. if you elect John McCain, you would have a great freedom of choice and some free money with which to make those choices. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see some holes in this plan’s bucket. Just ask Elizabeth Edwards. She was recently quoted as saying that she and McCain have one thing in common: they would both be denied coverage under McCain’s proposed healthcare plan. As Edwards and McCain have preexisting medical conditions (breast cancer and melanoma, respectively), insurance companies would be given free rein to say a brisk “No thanks. Next!” to both of these political figures. Not only that, but there is no suggested regulation on how much these insurance companies can charge for their coverage. You may have $5,000 sitting in your bank, but it’s not going to last long if the insurance carriers are picking your pockets and competing against one another. McCain also claims to want to facilitate more doctor-patient relations. This wouldn’t be easy if you were having to haggle over costs of this insurance you were having to buy. Simply put, McCain’s proposed healthcare plan gives money and freedom to the big insurance companies, not the American public.
Barack Obama
photo credit: Tony the MisfitIs Barack Obama’s plan any better? His platform claims to be working toward a universal healthcare concept. What might first come to mind is a system like we might see in European countries: anyone, anywhere, can walk into a hospital or clinic and receive the care they need. What Obama is proposing is universal healthcare through federal and free-market solutions. What Europe seems to have is a “single-payer” system, where the government functions as the insurer, providing taxpayer sponsored coverage to all citizens. What Obama favors feels a bit more vague, and involves both insurance companies and government-funded healthcare. Is this really “universal”? It is tough to tell. It seems to be a combination between a European ideal and the insurance company free-for-all that McCain supports.
Obama also wants to make health care coverage available for all children. This is a step in the right direction, but if a parent in a low-income family can’t stay healthy enough to care for their child, where is the balance there? Obama also proposes creating a new public program for the currently uninsured. These ideas are all a little more left-leaning, but they are not without their issues. Creating a split system like Obama’s would mean higher taxes for citizens, and still wouldn’t do away with the greed and corruption we see in the higher echelons of health insurance companies.
When November and election time rolls around, the choice is yours. You need to consider what’s best for your health, your family and your country. To keep up to date on health insurance, including tips, articles and current types of coverage available, please visit medhealthinsurance.com.
Tags: 2008, elections, health care, health insurance, mccain, obama
