Health Care: Where the Presidential Candidates Stand

The United States presidential election is finally in sight. After campaigns that have been underway for months—years, really—and media coverage that is almost suffocating, it is time to make the decision and cast that coveted vote. But what are the candidates’ real positions on health care? Television media coverage often gives sound bytes and grand statements, but each candidate has laid out specific health care plans to implement upon taking office.Let’s take a look at some of the details of each candidate’s health care platform. So as not to be preferential to Senator Obama or Senator McCain, by mere alphabetical ordering of the two, McCain is first.Senator John McCainThe first sentence on his campaign website’s health care page reads: “John McCain believes we can and must provide access to health care for every American.” The key word is access, as was clarified during the October 7th presidential debate. McCain was asked by the moderator if health care for Americans is a right or responsibility, and he firmly responded with the latter. Thus, he believes that Americans must be given access to health care, but the government is not responsible to provide it.With that considered, McCain does have a plan. His basic idea is to give control of health care decisions to the patients rather than the government, as he believes a universal health care project would wrongly do. His plan begins with an annual and direct refundable tax credit for each family or household of $2,500 per individual and $5,000 per family.They will then be able to choose employer-based health insurance if available or insurance from any provider. The tax refund would be sent directly to the insurance company to be applied to any cost incurred. Any money leftover would be deposited in the person or family’s “health savings account” for other costs that may come from health care choices that are not covered under that plan.McCain’s proposal allows for greater competition between health insurance companies, which he claims will result in lower prices and more choices for insurance seekers. They can even choose care from a provider in another state, as there will be no boundaries on that front.In addition, McCain would like to allow citizens to keep the same insurance when moving from job to job, or when retiring or taking an extended leave from work. And for those who have difficulty obtaining insurance due to pre-existing conditions, he would like to establish a “guaranteed access plan” for each state to adopt if they so choose. Said plan would suggest the establishment of a non-profit corporation that would contract with insurers to give coverage to those denied it by insurance companies, and limits would be place on premiums and assistance given to those below a set income level.Other aspects of the McCain health care plan include:
In an effort to lower drug prices, greater competition is key, and safe re-importation of drugs and faster introduction of generic drugs would help.
To lower costs of care for those with chronic diseases, more federal research would be dedicated to care and cures, but the overall emphasis would be on prevention, early intervention, education, better treatment, and the use of information technology.
More walk-in clinics, specifically in retail outlets, would provide greater access to the public.
Using technology to allow doctors to practice across state lines might reduce costs of health care overall.
Medicaid and Medicare should be reformed to compensate providers for diagnosis, prevention and care, and those programs should not be responsible for preventable medical errors or mismanagement.
Making available more smoking cessation programs would reduce the number of smokers and thus reduce chronic diseases resulting from the habit.
More flexibility should be given to individual states to experiment with forms of access to health care, Medicaid payments, use of private insurance with Medicaid, and different insurance and licensing policies.
Lawsuits directed at doctors who adhere to guidelines and safety measures should be eliminated. McCain believes there are too many frivolous medical lawsuits.
Making public more information about treatment options and physician records would bring transparency to health care costs and seek to reduce them.
Seniors that require long-term or home-based care would receive a monthly stipend to be used for home health care workers, and other necessary services and products. A program would be established to help those citizens with decisions and counseling.
McCain has also chosen to outline specific plans to deal with two health care issues: autism and cancer. With a concern about rising numbers of autism diagnoses, he believes that more research must be dedicated to causes of and treatments for the condition. He also feels that tremendous advances have been made in cancer research, but more needs to be done, as well as focusing on early detection and living with the disease.More detailed information about Senator McCain’s health care platform can be found on his campaign website at www.johnmccain.com. Senator Barack ObamaIn the same October 7th presidential debate referenced in the McCain section, when Obama was asked if health care is a right or responsibility, he stated that it should be a right for American citizens. Thus, his plan is to provide health care for all, and though it will not be a government-run system, the government must play its part.Obama’s concern comes from the fact that over 45 million Americans are currently uninsured, a number that includes more than 8 million children. Combine that with ever-increasing health care costs that put more people in danger of losing coverage, and the Obama-Biden plan was developed. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that those with health care coverage will see their costs reduced by as much as $2,500 annually, and those without will have health insurance options made available to them.Many people do not have coverage because of pre-existing conditions or other reasons that companies can deny coverage. By making sure that insurers cannot discriminate based on pre-existing conditions, every American will be eligible for health insurance plans.Most, however, do not have coverage because of the cost. To solve that problem, a National Health Insurance Exchange would be established to allow that there are plans available for everyone through private companies with an easy enrollment process and comprehensive benefits likened to those available to members of Congress. In addition, some families unable to afford the costs will receive a Small Business Health Tax Credit or be eligible in an expanded Medicaid or SCHIP program.Some of the requirements included in the plan will be that all children have health care coverage, so numerous options will be available to parents to ensure that can happen. And all large employers will be required to contribute to the cost of their employees’ plans or toward the cost of a public plan. Lastly, the proposal of the Obama campaign includes many reforms for the health care system, including newer technology be implemented, more prevention and chronic disease management services be made available, and ensuring that health insurance is affordable for businesses and their employees by increasing competition among insurers.Further details of the Obama plan include:
Allowing the importation of safe drugs from developed countries and using generic drugs in public programs would reduce prescription costs.
Hospitals would be required to report and monitor data.
Anticompetitive activity that drives up prices without improving quality would be targeted, thus improving competition in the insurance market.
Businesses would cover a portion of catastrophic health costs for employees in return for paying lower premiums.
Doctors would not be overcharged by insurers for malpractice insurance, and more money would be invested in reducing preventable medical errors.
More employers should offer clinical preventative services, such as flu vaccinations and exercise facilities.
Schools would play a bigger role in reducing childhood obesity by providing healthier environments and greater health education.
Programs for nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation incorporated into health plans like Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP. Community-based programs will also be encouraged with more funding and better marketing programs.
Prevention services will be required for all members of the general public, including cancer screenings and preparedness for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
Funding for the programs included in the health care plan will be found by rolling back the Bush tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 per year and by keeping the estate tax at the 2009 level.
Obama has also included in his health care platform two specific issues that he deemed worthy of special attention: cancer and global HIV/AIDS. Through clinical trials, enhanced research and treatment, promoted awareness, more access to prevention programs, and a sincere commitment to the causes, the numbers of people suffering from cancer and HIV/AIDS can be reduced.Further details of Senator Obama’s health care plan for America can be found on his campaign website at www.barackobama.com. The presidential election will be held across the United States on November 4, 2008. Every vote matters.