179 Responses to “Health Care: John McCain vs Barack Obama”

1. Waltertainment Says:
   June 1st, 2008 at 4:58 am

   Overall, John McCain’s plan seems more realistic than Obama’s. We need less government involvement. I am a Clinton supporter. Since she will not be the party’s nominee in the general election, I will support the best candidate; John McCain.

2. SLanier Says:
   June 2nd, 2008 at 5:47 am

   It is very sad how democrats are willing to vote for McCain if Clinton doesn’t win the primaries. Are they really willing to continue living life the way Bush created it — high gas prices, crappy health care? All of the money will continue to go into Iraq and there will be no regards for Americans. It’s just like when Bush was elected AGAIN, people are wondering why everything is going down. They saw what he did the first term, yet they gave him a second term? And now democrats are willing to give him a third term by electing McCain? They are only hurting themselves and the rest of America. I am an Obama supporter, but if he was to lose I would definitely vote for Clinton; I am a true democrat. Anything to keep the republicans out of office.

3. Laker Says:
   June 3rd, 2008 at 7:00 pm

   After seeing the Federal gov’t screw things up time and time again, I’m not sure I want them in total control of Healthcare. (think Katrina) And no matter who gets elected, the rank and file gov’t lifer’s aren’t going anywhere.

   McCain’s plan does seem more realistic, but then I don’t want for-profit healthcare in control either.
   Maybe McCain’s plan with the oversight, a la Obama’s National Health Insurance Exchange and a RAPID not for profit review board for when coverage is denied. Keep the health care companies honest.

4. john pancakes Says:
   June 4th, 2008 at 8:08 pm

   Well, the whole issue of john mccain talking about health care is just OBSURD. The guy is about 90 years old, and needs to get his own healthcare plan going, and get some plastic surgeory, or better yet, he needs to fund money into the government scientic program that will make people younger. I mean come on mccain, your plan is horribad. Obama you rule.

   Johnny Pancakes.

5. JG in NC Says:
   June 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm

   This is an easy decision. On one side, McBush, excuse me, McCain plans on doing nothing different: just sprinkle in some competition to the marketplace and prices will magically fall. Are you kidding me?!! That is NO CHANGE from what we have now.
   Obama, on the other hand, will completely CHANGE the health care landscape: An easy to enroll in public plan that’s affordable and mirrors the great benefits government employees get. That’s the CHANGE I BELIEVE IN. YES WE CAN!!

6. Rebekkah Says:
   June 9th, 2008 at 10:21 am

   I’m all for change in healthcare, but it seems Obama’s plan will give the government way too much power. His plan seems to mimic socialism; do we really want the US to head in that direction?

7. Vladislav Says:
   June 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am

   with Obama’s health-care plan, or social health-care as I may call it, everything will go in the wrong direction. I don’t want the government-which can not control job promotion/creation and rising oil prices-to run and mandate how to provide me with health-care…
   Look at France for example… they have social health-care that covers everyone, what’s wrong with that you ask?? well only that it would take up to 6 months to schedule your vital surgery meanwhile it wouldn’t take more than 3 weeks in U.S. With social health-care the quality is bound to significantly go down.
   To all you democrats out there….. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FREE LUNCH!
   Personally I dont think I should pay more money for Joe who lives down the street, who is obese, a smoker, and is a total wreck (his choice). I agree with McCain that Americans should have the ultimate decision on which health-care plan they should have. Another thing… universal healthcare would put sooo many people out of jobs.. insurance companies would crash because their purpose would completely be demolished.. think of all the people who would loose their jobs.

   Democrats tend to think and act from flee of passion… I am totally with you dems on every American having no trouble obtaining something that they could afford and should be eligible to.. healthcare.. but you have to think of the consequences that will follow.. more debt maybe?? 9 trillion already, now lets go a little further!! Give me a break.. in the long run McCain’s plan will work a lot better and i by far more realistic than Obama’s.

   McCain 08!!

8. Chris Says:
   June 10th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

   Vladislav–it’s about time someone puts the truth out there. I couldn’t have said it better myself. For those that want socialize health care–I just hope you as AMERICANS wake up and realize what you are truely asking for…It hasn’t worked in every country that carries it, thank about it. Then read Vladislav reply again. Hopefully something sinks in. Helps us all if Barack HUSSEIN Obama gets in office, because he isn’t!

9. Mark Says:
   June 24th, 2008 at 8:31 am

   Ideally, Obama’s plan better is but I don’t think it’s realistic. The government, no matter who is in control, Democrats or Republicans, does not run things efficiently. Just look at the Post Office, the V.A. Hospitals or the Immigration Department.

   I do like Obama over McCain but I must admit that at times he seems to be a little too idealistic. He’s a little out of touch with the real world although I think he’s improving.

10. Tim Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 10:56 am

    Vladislav…that’s the exact reason why so many people are wary of universal health care. The lobbyists, many Republicans, and places like Fox News continue to use fear as a weapon to kill the idea of health care over and over again. I have relatives in both Canada and France and they have only praise for the system–it doesn’t take any longer to get treatments and surgeries under such a system, nor does it limit doctors or provide sloppier service. It’s astounding how you people spread such lies; but then again, most of the people who support such ideas are the same ones that spread lies making 70% of Americans believe that Iraq was involved in the 9/11 attacks. It’s despicable.

    What is also despicable is your selfish nature. We pay taxpayer dollars to provide for elderly Americans and Veterans and also poor Americans. This is just my opinion, but I don’t think that we as a society should let people die just because they can’t afford healthcare. That’s irresponsible and disgusting.

    Also, repeatedly mentioning Obama’s middle name as a smear tactic is disgusting as well.

11. Jaymison Says:
    June 28th, 2008 at 6:56 am

    Meh. I am thoroughly unconvinced on either side. On the one hand, we have a big, fluffy plan to more or less socialize health care [which I am not totally against, don’t get me wrong] but to put up such a high ideal is not pragmatic and a bit foolish. The whole ‘Yes we can’ and ‘We need a change’ stuff is great if inspiration is the key to running a country, but it isn’t. There are millions of Americans that are building a cult of personality around a bunch of great ideas that may end up failing because of the world and situation we find ourselves in.
    And on the other hand, we have a plan that simply perpetuate the same ol’ right wing demagoguery. They hype up the propaganda that big government is automatically bad and that the solution to everything is Adam Smith’s Laissez Faire policy, which is what has gotten us into the current insurance situation wherein you don’t really get what you pay for in many cases and you can get dropped when you become too much of a liability. 44 million uninsured Americans, if I am not mistaken and we want to essentially continue the system? That too doesn’t seem very pragmatic to me.
    Either side has its good points, but the strong focus on the divisions and differences between us is what is killing us in the end. Obama and McCain both talk a good game about uniting the country and getting rid of the foolish politics…but will it happen?

12. Independant Says:
    July 3rd, 2008 at 12:01 pm

    Don’t worry, as usual the quagmire in Washington will ensure that nothing is accomplished on health-care, prescription drugs, alternative fuels, etc.
    Opposite ends of a spectrum have a wonderful way of balancing to an equalibrium that accomplishes minor things like the “I’m your Buddy” stimulus checks.

13. Tim Says:
    July 14th, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    I am having trouble understanding the similar views of Barack and McCain. Maybe it all seems the same to past elections.

14. TS Says:
    July 15th, 2008 at 5:25 am

    How is a program that allows people to purchase health insurance, socialized medicine? The companies that will provide the health care will be private. Obama’s plan will create greater competition, as private insurers try to position themselves to be able to compete for National Health Insurance Program contracts. Private insurers will also need to become more cost effective in order to survive, when there is an alternative available. I disagree that government should implement cost controls, though.

15. TS Says:
    July 15th, 2008 at 5:58 am

    Even if the quagmire, that is Washington, prevents anything major from being accomplished, at least Obama would not veto SCHIP if it was passed once again. An estimated seven million additional families would be able to get affordable health insurance for their children. Government funds put to use providing for the general welfare. These funds end up in the pockets of doctors and nurses who work for private health plans that have positioned themselves to compete for government contracts. Sounds like a fair market!

16. Lou Says:
    July 21st, 2008 at 6:33 am

    Tim…the pitfalls of socialized medicine (or “public plan” in Obama’s terms) are not a lie. I have relatives who live in England and it definitely takes longer to schedule scans, surgeries and treatments then it does here. My relative in the UK went into the hospital on a Friday night with what seemed to be a stroke. Over weekend, nobody was around to give proper tests and exams and the only treatment given was aspirin! The family there had to pay out of their own pocket for a private doctor and get the exams and treatment needed. I understand that in parts of Canada, you don’t even have the option of turning to private doctors.
    Check the facts before you accuse others of lying.

17. Cat Says:
    July 21st, 2008 at 9:03 pm

    I seem to agree with Vladislav. It seems that Obabms healthcare plan is not realistic. I may be wrong but it seems that everyone is getting taken care of here in the U.S. and the current healthcare plan seems to be working smoothly. About 90% of employers have healthcare plans to offer their employess, we have social security healthplans, welfare, ect.. Tons of people are NEVER denied healthcare, I happen to know a few cases of illegals that are pregnant and still get decent healthcare.
    If I were to be an illegal myself i would probably get free healthcare, I on the other hands have to pay every month for my insurance. It’s so sweet here in the U.S., we are sooo privileged. That’s why everyone wants to come here. We have far the best healthcare out there.
    And whats this about Universal healthcare???
    Just like Vladislav mentioned, how will these surgeons, doctors, ect.. get paid???? In order for things to function properly, these are all important factors and details that need to be overlooked.

18. Rose Thomas Says:
    July 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 am

    I think that obama is better than mccain but i would like to add that clinton plan was better but since she is not in the race im a strong demacrat and i will go with and support obama plan, presidency everything overall.

19. Anna Says:
    July 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    I think we as Americans are quick to argue and slow to self-inform. I would like more detailed information on how either party would/could implement its plan — including pitfalls — including great plans. We can all dream up wonderful scenarios, but effecting a plan is a different story.

20. Audi Says:
    August 7th, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    Im moving to Europe! I would have voted for Hilary, but since she is out, my vote will be for Mccain, I fear for the future of our nation with A Slum Lord in office. Though he may know economics, which is one thing we need, I think his plan is unrealisitc and gives out government way to much infuence in our lives. Next thing you know Obama will be wanting us to all hae microchips implanted in our foreheads. Random I know…but I just dont like anything the bloody devil has to say!

21. Next generation Says:
    August 7th, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    Omama says things that make us feel so good, as if our government will put its warm blanket over us when we are freezing. Problem is, our gov’t is too big already and it definately taxes us enough. People who don’t take care of themselves and eat themselves into their health problems shouldn’t expect the healthy people to fix them up everytime they fall ill with one of their overweight side effects. Healthcare should be similar to life insurance where you must pay more the more problems you have (based on your own self neglect) and based on age. Doctors need to be compensated for the work they do and working for the gov’t is not in their best financial interest. How would you like the guy removing your brain tumor making $60,000 who is strapped because he has to pay off his $200k in student loans? Who would want to be a doctor? Exactly… Go McCain!

22. Jesse Says:
    August 11th, 2008 at 12:27 am

    Tims comment is very apt on this! Moreover healthcare costs will go DOWN with Obamas new plan.

23. Ally Says:
    August 20th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

    Tim you said…

    “I have relatives in both Canada and France and they have only praise for the system–it doesn’t take any longer to get treatments and surgeries under such a system, nor does it limit doctors or provide sloppier service.”

    Perhaps you misunderstood your “relatives”, but health care in Canada SUCKS. I’m Canadian, born and raised, and I can tell you from first hand experience that socialized health care does not work. It’s a little bit like Communism, sounds GREAT in theory, but sucks in real life. My grandfather could not wait the 6 months to a year on the waitlist for a hip replacement, so he went to the States to get it done within a few weeks. Sure, it cost him $36,000 American dollars, but it was money well spent as he simply could not wait the 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR on the waiting list. Currently he is on an 18 month waiting list for a knee replacement.

    Sounds great, huh?

24. Erin Says:
    August 23rd, 2008 at 6:11 pm

    I am an audiologist in California, and our office has many patients from Europe and Canada who have come here in search of medical and/or surgical help due to very long waits in their home countries. I have had several patients warn me about the pitfalls of universal health care, which, they say, are plenty. There are long waits (months to over a year) for badly-needed joint replacements, and worst of all, rationing of health care. A British patient of mine said that people in England who have any means to do so, purchase a private health care plan for their own insurance, and these plans are very expensive. So, they end up paying dearly in taxes, and on top of that, pay for an expensive individual or family health care plan.

    As far as rationing is concerned, one example if my mother-in-law who is 85 going on 35. She is very vivacious and young in mind, body, and spirit. However, she needed a heart valve replacement. Her heart surgeon, an MD from South Africa, told us that she is very lucky to be an American, because had she been in South Africa, she would have been denied her surgery and left to slowly die from her valve disease. In countries with Universal health care, rationing is done according to to the age of the patient, among other things. It’s just a matter of arithmatic. If everyone physically present in the U.S. is covered by the government, the quality must go down because there is simply not enough to go around.

    It would be much better to take our working poor who cannot afford their own plans and who do not qualify for medicaid, and provide them with subsidized plans to choose from. We must exclude people from free government plans who are not here legally, as is done in every country with universal health care. Americans cannot simply waltz into Canada as non-residents and expect taxpayer-paid health care. Nor can we go there and expect free public education for our children. I have friends to immigrated to Canada legally and could not put there two chilren into public school for over a year after arriving.

    We need to realize that funding for such programs is finite. There is only so much to go around.

25. Rob Nelson Says:
    August 24th, 2008 at 5:11 am

    I am astounded by most of the comments I have read here today. The American public appears to be so incredibly brainwashed it is scary.

    First of all, for all of those who fear so greatly the government controlling our healthcare system, let’s first study the black and white facts available to us and in plain site today. First of all, let’s not forget the American public’s concern for Medicare’s future. The fear that this wonderful program that we all so rely upon when we retire will no longer be available to us. Interesting…yet this GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED AND SPONSORED health care program that Barack Obama promotes sends shivers down your spine? How hypocritical it all sounds!?!

    Next, let’s ask ourselves who in this country receives the best healthcare at the best rates? ANSWER: Federal Government Employees! I know, I am one of them. Not only am I one of them, I am a physician at a VA Medical Center, where our republican controlled congress over the past 8 years has continued to make cuts that compromise our care for our deserving vets. Yet, if you were to ask a majority of the veterans I have come in contact with over the past 10 years, they would have nothing but wonderful things to say about the healthcare they receive, at this GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED AND FINANCED institution. In fact, more and more veterans are transferring from private health insurance that they can no longer afford, to this GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED and FINANCED healthcare program that offers them covered services (with minimal co-pays when applicable) and generic medications for only a $7 co-pay and name-brand medications for only a $14 co-pay.

    Allow me to take this just one step further and I will gladly hop, skip and jump off of my soap box (my feet are starting to hurt). For all you proud Republicans that fear the involvement and expansion of government sponsored programs, please mail your social security checks back to Uncle Sam. This socialistic concept just deosn’t seem to suit you.

    Barack Obama may not be this country’s saviour following the catastrophic two-term presidency of George W. Bush, but at least he is willing to recognize what isn’t working and steer us in a better direction.

    God bless the future of this country. Go Barack!

26. Manny Fernandez Says:
    August 24th, 2008 at 11:24 am

    What scares me is the the dems are looking to RAISE taxes. The more the government gets involved, they more I have to pay. We saw gas prices go up $2.00 and it created havoc. Grocery prices went up, travel prices increased (Buses, Air, etc) Based on the info I have seen, the dems would like the gas prices higher so that the tree huggers are on board and we stop driving SUVs. It is great to drive a prius, but when you have 4 kids and 2 adults it is a little difficult to jam them into a smart car.

    Historically (both parties) government pays a premium for EVERYTHING they buy. The doctors are not going to take a direct pay cut, although their taxes will go up. Health care will continue to cost the same only it will be payed for by us.

    It is not fair to tax the individuals that have busted their rumps, studying and trying to make a living for themselves to give it to people that have not.

    Obviously, Obama’s mother was on welfare on many occasions and now he is a millionaire. What does THAT say. There was no Obama as president then, yet he managed. People Black , white, hispanic, all races, colors and sexual orientation that make welfare and living off of the government a career are wrong.

    Get a clue and get a life. Get your hand out of my pocket and go work like I do.

    I pay over 1300 a month for family insurance, if you raise my taxes and lower my health care. It is a wash. You are stealing from Peter to pay Paul.

27. Gabriele Says:
    August 26th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    Funny that nobody seems to have a problem with “socialized” health care when it comes to politicians, veterans and their families and so on (who exactly pays for them? That’s right, the taxpayer does!) Why should only a few get that privilege? As Ted Kennedy said yesterday: Health care should not be a privilege that only the filthy rich can afford. And as to raising taxes: What exactly do you call it when McCain plans to make the employer health benefit taxable income? Beats me….

28. Gen Says:
    August 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    Do Washington politicians have government health care? If yes, is it any good?

29. john Says:
    August 27th, 2008 at 7:58 pm

    Everyone wants to give Bill a gold star. Come on, who would do that in the oval. How about haveing a little respect for you family and country. At least wait till your public service is up. On the other hand, maybe Obama has some good qualities and should not be responsible for Bill’s sin’s. he say’s a lot of the right things - I hope he can back it up. What about family morals and a little self government though. That is a major factor in the state of our country. GWB can’t help it if 9-11 happened. At least we have not been bombed since on our soil. Safety, not much of a concearn since then. Way to go W. John Edwards - what are you doing these days.

30. Tony Says:
    August 28th, 2008 at 7:23 pm

    Hello all out there my name is Tony. I can say this i am not for Obama or McCain i respect both. i will tell you this. i have no health ins. i was laid of from my job i went to college for have 25k in student loans just to get a job to provide for my family things looked good in 1999 when whent to school. If you remember the biggest story at that time was y2k and i did not have sexual relations with that woman from Clinton. I could have cared less. I have a 380 a month morg. on my house which was a go deal a few years ago but is now half the price than i closed. I have a suv for my family that i can not afford to drive. I have go far in my life from being abused from my stepfather to my Brain damage i always fight threw Meds. which is not going well since i dont have health ins. becuase my Unemployment check is to much to get state add in Wisconsin. i have a 2 year old girl. i must say i am glad for my family and my teachings i have had i owe very little car house and student loan. i just don’t know what is true from each can. What can i do to vote i see one way and i see the other way. my MS is in MFG.Ind. Tech which was geared for a GM plant in Michigan where i was born. I am sorry for my spelling and how i write i am no longer on meds because i can not afford them. if anyone reads this please enlighten me on who will make my family get better help Obama or McCain?

31. Meka Says:
    August 29th, 2008 at 8:51 am

    Overall Obama’s healthcare plan is more affordable and more accessible than McCan’t so therefore I am all for Obama! As for “socialism” What do u think Medicare is?! The bottom line, I am so sick and tired of the redundency going on in that whitehouse! It’s time for a change, and Obama is the change without a doubt.

32. Tabitha Says:
    August 31st, 2008 at 3:59 pm

    Watch “Sicko”, a documentary about the U.S. Heath Care system versus other countries (Exclusively at Blockbuster) by Michael Moore, and then make your judgment from there. Maybe do some of your own research and ask yourself “What is truly best for America as a whole, not just individually?”

33. Brian Says:
    September 1st, 2008 at 10:33 am

    In your description of John McCain’s healthcare plan that he also plans to TAX employee healthcare benefits. I think this omission is a KEY fact in understanding the differences between the McCain plan and the Obama plan. Given that McCain’s strategy will certainly lead to the downfall of employee healthcare benefits, or at the very least make is much more expensive and difficult for employees to receive benefeits from their place of employment, withholding this fact should be corrected.

34. Marc Says:
    September 3rd, 2008 at 5:55 pm

    Tabitha, you actually think “sicko” is a documentary. He calls it a documentary but only reports on the views that suit his own. As for socialized healthcare. How do you expect families or indiviguals, that can not afford healthcare at this time, to be able to pay the extra taxes that will occur if socialized healthcare goes through. We think that other countries have it so good with their healthcare, but answer me this why is it that these people come to our country when they need an operation. People say that our current health plan is only for the super rich, but I am not rich. I have been in and out of hopitals, I have visited the Mayo Clinic. My health insurance worked just fine. I am not saying that the healthcare paln we have today is the right answer, but it is far better than having the health plan supported by OBAMA

    McCain/Palin ‘08

35. M.J. Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 8:52 am

    Marc, you’re one of the lucky. It all depends upon your employer providing you with health care, doesn’t it? What of the millions who are without health care BECAUSE their employers won’t provide health benefits? What of those working several part-time jobs that equate to well over 40 hours a week, but because they’re part-time, they’re own their own when it comes to health care? Buying insurance on your own is very expensive, and who’s to say you’ll even be accepted by a sneaky HMO? (oh, those pesky little “pre-existing conditions”)

    And why is it that people scream “fire” when they hear the word “taxes”? Your argument suggests that the poor aren’t already paying taxes they cannot afford. Many most certainly are in order to help subsidize a trillion-dollar debacle of a war.

    Oh, one more thing…give us some stats (and CITE your source) on the percentile of people coming here from countries with socialized healthcare in order to get an operation…

36. Kim Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    What I am concerned about with the Obama plan is that once again the docs will be told what they can charge. Do you really think that anyone will want to be a doc when it’s virtually impossible to make a buck. Having had 9 surgeries, I have seen what the docs wanted to charge and I believe they are worth it..at least in my case…but the insurance companies give them about 20-30% of what they are billing. Can you imagine if your were a builder and built me a home and I said thatnk you, nice house but I am only going to give you 30% of what you’re worth!
    Support the docs so that we have them in the future–its too easy to make money selling on ebay.

37. Bethany Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

    Obama for change?
    change for the worse..
    not better
    and thats what we need!
    I know a lot of naive people
    are going to vote him in
    for the first black president
    but voting shouldnt be based on looks
    and skin colors, it should be based
    on their thoughts and what they say they are
    going to do with our country
    he wants to help poor people?
    by raising taxes and making
    everyone else suffer?
    his ideas are UNrealistic!
    And for those of you against the
    war in Iraq, Obama will NOT
    be bringing our troops back
    like he said! He has already stated that
    he thinks they need to stay there a “little” longer!

    i wouldnt believe half of the things he says.
    im pro-choice to a degree but over all
    i know that if Obama gets elected
    then this country is going to hell!

    McCain/Palin ♥
    ‘08

38. los Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 11:53 pm

    lets get serious. all you mccain supporters talk about is putting the country first, but what is the country if its not its people. what ever you want to call obama’s healthcare, its gonna put the country first. Mccain is bs. the surge hasnt worked. the whole point behind it was to fix it so iraq could grow its own balls and protect itsself. you guys dont wanna provide health care for the american poor but your ok with our country taking a nose dive to help iraq. think about this, lets say your a family is living of an entreprenurship. no one has more money to waste then an american soldier, i know, i was one. but where are the soldiers, they are over in iraq and afganistan spending their money on vendors that are probally being used to fund terrorist activities. so the american entreprenuer losses money, soon his home and becomes those poor people that cant afford healthcare. wow this isnt just speculation there are lots of americans now that are loosing their homes. save your talk about putting the country first republicans, both mccain and bush are stooges of the oil companies. funny that now its time to vote gass prices have dropped a little, but as soon as he gets what he wants gass is gonna start climbing again. and what do you thinks gonna happen to that poor family of americans in the winter time. Mcbush doent give a damn about you. the moeny we are paying for this war could have helped alot of familes this year, but it didnt. hes not worried about a poor mans health because he’s got 7 houses and he doent have to worry about high privitized cost of healthcare

39. los Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 12:04 am

    if your a person thats in favor of the war then get up like a man and risk your life like me and my friends did. just so you know 8 of my friends came home in a body bag. thanks bush they dont have to worry about healthcare anymore. its time to bring the soldiers home to help rebuild america we need their money and their help. this war is doing nothing but supporting the terrorist that it swore to stop.

40. los Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    and MCbush’s vp and he looser spouse need to go home and support that pregnate child. what kind of woman would leave her child alone to have a baby. that little girl need her mommy.

41. Steve Says:
    September 7th, 2008 at 5:57 am

    Just link auto insurance, competition will bring down the health insurance premium. I support competition not regulation.

42. alayna Says:
    September 7th, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    i would rather obama be our next president!
    mccain dosent offer as much for my likings.
    this is easily the hardest election.
    there are things i dont like about both canidates but from my own opinion mccain is hiding to much.
    and instead of being his own person he is tryin to follow too closely in bush’s path.
    he needs to come into his own before it’s too late. and his vise prez. she’s beautiful

43. Mary Says:
    September 7th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    See Brian’s comment, #33. He has a good point.

    Please be aware that McCain’s health care plan would tax the portion of your health care premiums that are paid by your employer. In other words, if you already have health insurance and you share the cost of premiums with your employer, under McCain’s plan, you will be taxed on the amount your employer contributes toward your premium. This means your taxes will go UP.

    Further, with McCain’s plan, employers will have fewer reasons to share that cost with you at all, and will likely stop offering that benefit — you’re on your own! That $2500 ($5000) tax rebate McCain promises won’t go far if you have to buy your own health insurance on the open market. No wonder people say, “Republican health insurance plan: don’t get sick!”

44. KGarcia Says:
    September 7th, 2008 at 8:19 pm

    I have reviewed both plans (Obama and McCain) and from my perspective the Obama plan would be better for America for access to affordable Health Care. The Obama plan would utilize the current employer based plans (which the employer and employee both contibute to the costs) and leverage this with employers that do not provide a health care benefit, to allow them to participate in a group pool for lower insurance rates. The McCain plan would increase costs for employers providing health care insurance benefits. The portion of the insurance premiums paid by the employer would no longer be tax deductible. Additionally, if the employer continues the health care insurance, the employer portion of the cost would be taxable income to the employees. As a result, many if not all of employers would eliminate their health care plans. As an individual purchasing insurance coverage on the open market, the costs would become much more expensive and for many of us, we would not be able to pay the costs. I believe the number of uninsured in America would increase, and the number of underinsured would increase. It appears to me that the insurance companies would benefit the most under the McCain plan and the American citizens would benefit the most under the Obama plan. The total cost over the long term is not much different. The difference appears to be how they are paid. The increase in the income tax for net income over $250,000 will generate revenue that will in part pay for the Obama plan. The McCain plan suggests the tax credit for health care will be offset, but there is not specifics to verifyl
    I will vote for obama for real change for the middle class.

45. chicken rules dude! Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

    because sometimes obamas ahh nvm go OBAMA! i hate mccain hes al moldy i think they need an age limit cuz that dude would be way over it!

    so all u people who just went 2 mccain cuz hillary wuz out u guys arent real democarats u guys and horrible

46. chicken rules dude! Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

    I honestly think Obama is the person to lead the white house because Mccain is just another gerorge bush its like a simple math problem

    MCCAIN+MCCAIN=GERORGE BUSH people we need to take a stan in Washington and I think Obama is the right person for the job

47. A Frustrated Physician Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 4:30 am

    Seniors have government-provided health insurance through Medicare. Veterans have government-provided health care through the Veterans Administration hospitals. If government-sponsored health care is good enough for Seniors and Veterans, why isn’t it good enough for the rest of us?

    Any Seniors on Medicare of Veterans out there don’t like your benefits? Please reject them and give them to the rest of us 47 million Americans WITHOUT ANY HEALTH INSURANCE AT ALL.

    And please don’t say that “our current system works fine”. Medical bills are the #1 cause of bankruptcy filings in this country. The U.S. ranks #37 in the world for infant mortality, BEHIND Malta, Czech Republic, Macau, Slovenia, Aruba, and Cuba. There are parts of the United States where infant mortality is comparable to 3rd world countries and developing nations.

    How does a pregnant woman without health insurance get prenatal care for her unborn child? If the politicians don’t support universal prenatal care, how can any one in any party say they are pro-women or pro-life?

    What options does a woman without health insurance have when she is diagnosed with breast cancer? [(a) die? (b) go bankrupt? (c) become homeless?] What kind of county do we live in where a 70yo man can get Viagra but a pregnant woman can’t get prenatal care? What does this say about our priorities?

    And yes, people without health insurance ARE dying. I am a physician, and saw a woman who was 8 1/2 months pregnant deliver a stillborn baby because she had diabetes, no health insurance, and no way to pay for her doctor’s visits or medicine for a very treatable condition. Or if you believe that people AREN’T dying, then you must believe that an 8 1/2 month old fetus is NOT a person?

48. Steve Brykailo Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 9:24 am

    i like eggs!

49. Frustrated Health Care Provider Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    I am also a physician…who worked EXTREMELY hard to get where I am against all odds. I see day after day people with government insurance (medicaid) abusing the system and pulling up in nicer cars than mine while I have worked myself to death to pay for their health insurance. It simply is not fair that people who do not work can get soverage, while working people have to keep them up. I absolutely do not want to be responsible for paying the bill of lazy ppl who abuse the system and run up health care costs. Also, I PROMISE you, having worked in the system for years, that socialized health care WILL have a detramental effect on our care. I can barely keep up with the patients I have now…and in the area I live…there is a HUGE shortage of health care providers. Physician…if you are so concerned about this pregnant woman…why did you not refer her to a pharmacist…who can asses her diabetes FOR FREE and does so every single day for other patients. There are many programs that help with testing supplies and diabetes medications.

50. David Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    I just want to thank thoughts that actually provided useful information rather than those who just rant about how the other side is so stupid.

    It’s hard to say which plan will be best to go with. The main problem, as someone had stated, is that neither really solve the main problem (insurance companies).

    I think it’s best to look at the two and decide for yourself which one moves us in the right direction. I will say that Obama’s plan definitely sounds more radical than Mccain’s. That could be a good thing or a bad thing - no one really knows until it happens.

51. pete Says:
    September 12th, 2008 at 9:58 am

    Oh, how ironic that “health-insurance-carriers.com” favors McCain in its article by talking about how he’s going to allow health insurance companies to compete.

    I really hope you understand this means:

    McCain’s plan = no changes to the current situation.

    Of course all the friggin’ Repub supporters come on and post about how we don’t want big government dominating the poor health insurance companies.

    Oh, the POOR health insurance companies!

52. Morgan Says:
    September 12th, 2008 at 11:07 am

    It seems to me that we need a government provided health care. This seems to be an area where there are some serious problems in not having a government program. General Motors are now making their cars in Canada and that is because they don’t have to provide their employees with health insurance.

    One of the most effective and successful federal programs is medicare a system that is far more centralized than what either candidate is proposing and one that without the Bush Administration would be stronger today, but is still very strong (though it is difficult to pay for in a country that thinks government services are the worst possible thing to support until they need them).

    That last comment is really getting more to my point. I don’t think our country should continue living in this angry dillusion that derides anything that is nationalized and even looks a little like socialism. Socialism in small doses and certain areas is very successful; health care is one of those certain areas. Our country has plenty of socialist programs that work fine and effective solutions shouldn’t be abandoned because of ideology. Democratic socialism has not hurt that many countries and a fear of it only holds our country back, while we yell and scream about empty ideology that is quickly becmoing obsolete.

    I say both plans don’t go far enough and that is why on this issue I was with Hillary. But it seems clear to me that McCain’s plan has nothing to do with solving the problem and everything to do with placating the masses who believe anything that gives them more money is the solition, just like Obama’s tax plan. I would love to see a real government solition that requires a little more money than a whimpy plan like Obamas too. But, Obama is in the right direction just small minded and restricted my those pesky voters (I like democracy, it just frustrates because we could do more if people were better able to discuss the issues without yelling “socialist” or other such nonsense)

    My final statement is to those who do put everything into terms of capitalism and socialism or government and the taxpayer; Money is not freedom and the citizen is a more important title than taxpayer.

53. Richie Says:
    September 13th, 2008 at 2:21 am

    A country devided against itself cannot stand!!! Nor can it move forward. Things need to be done, but they must be done together with built in checks and balances. It’s the only way out.

54. Mike Dillger Says:
    September 14th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    -Rob Nelson

    Mail my social security check back to uncle sam?
    That social security check was stolen from hard working americans in the first place. Part of the reason social security is facing a shortage of money is because uncle sam spent our money on other things and won’t even show us the receipt.

55. Gary Says:
    September 15th, 2008 at 8:09 am

    No country can simultaneously insulate citizens from the costs of healthcare, keep those costs down and let it’s citizens have access to high-quality medicine. Trade offs are unavoidable.

    Healthcare for Congress, military, Medicare and all other government programs account for about half of healthcare services presently. Reason that benefits are good is that cost is high and guess who pays for that…you and me via our great tax system. What do you think will happen if BO’s plan is implemented? Right! Significant increases in taxes! UK and Canada charge about 50% taxes. On top of that, they ration care for anything other than a runny nose. That is why citizens from other countries come here to US for care. Be careful of what you ask for.

56. John G. Says:
    September 16th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    I recently skimmed my work week down to 48 hours instead of 55 because I’m taking 2 classes online this semester. I work two jobs, both of which don’t hire full time and don’t offer any benefits. My fiance - getting married at the end of october- recently lost her health insurance after quitting a job that was making her rather sick - was diagnosed with lupis- and now works two jobs part time just like me. We are very happy and enjoy our jobs and I enjoy my schooling. My fiance is completely uninsurable, having been born to a mom on crack 3 weeks late at 4.5 pounds. She is 22, 5′5″ and 99 lbs. She had a heart attack a couple years ago and has always had heart arrhythmia. Mccains plan will tax the benefits and undo incentives for businesses to offer them -his 2500 dollars a year is a comical number equating to less than one visit to the ER. I know My fiance and I are Lazy Liberals looking for a free lunch but I just think that if a society wants to call itself civilized it needs to take interest in peoples’ basic health needs. Obama is a politician, 8 years is not enough to bring about real change, but an entire direction shift is necessary in this country and it has to start somewhere. That’s why my fiance and I will be spending our honeymoon in colorado (next door to our home state of utah which bleeds red by about 30 percent) knocking doors talking to undecided voters. Perhaps its because I’m an atheist and I just don’t share the christian values (?) of so many of my neighbors –whatever it is, I feel its a moral imperative to make sure that every person has affordable healthcare available.

57. Hoodlum Says:
    September 18th, 2008 at 7:08 am

    If anyone really wants our children to have to pay hell for a national health care plan run by the gov’t, then by all means vote for Obama. If instead they can visualize a “saner” plan submitted by the McCain folks (Read it!) we will have saved our future generations from going through the current insanity we are experiencing now. This is a real wake up call for America!

58. Claire Says:
    September 18th, 2008 at 7:24 am

    On first glance it may seem that McCain’s plan is good. Make Health Care orgs compete right? But look at the bind already that competition makes. Look at the gas prices right… Demand vs. prices. With increased demand prices go up. Making competition doesn’t mean more people will have health care at all!

    I agree that Obama’s plan seems a little unrealistic. It is unlikely change will come along that quickly. It won’t work overnight. But the point is, that we are choosing a goal or an objective and we work towards it. And that goal is that everyone have access to health care insurance and be able to afford it. I agree, we shouldn’t have to pay for other people’s bad preventative health choices, yet at the same time, we must look at our own families and see how many people make bad health choices. Does that mean we want them to be without health care?? No, probably not. And we all can think about those that make bad choices because of something that happened to them that was out of their control, such as smoking because someone they loved died, or having risky sexual practices because they were molested or raped and haven’t had help to heal. This is a social reality, that stress and depression increases health risk, and this is a burden of our society as a whole. And the truth of the matter is, we need to invest in the health of our citizens as it will improve our economy. The more healthy people you have, the more workers and thinkers you have to work on building up our country. Just think about it!

59. rachel Says:
    September 18th, 2008 at 4:42 pm

    HOLD UP. im confused. can someone explain (in the most unbiased opinion that you can) the difference that these two plans will make on doctor salaries. like if obama wins will doctors receive a paycut? will they work more, for less? and if mccain wins, will the doctors be paid just as usual, but poor people will not be able to afford healthcare? why can there be a healthy median!

60. m++ Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 3:06 am

    Do any of the McCain supporters realize that he is proposing to TAX HEALTH CARE BENEFITS given by employers as if they were income?! This will cause employers to lower and in some cases eliminate health benefits to employees. The McCain plan is a classic deregulate and forget policy that has failed with energy (Enron gutting the state of California $10 billion) and financial markets ($1 trillion bailout of banking system just today).

    Obama extends the large, competitive pool of congressional health care plans to all Americans. His plan will expand competition, lower costs, lower the number of uninsured, and improve benefits.

    Really, looking at the policies, this election is a no brainer! Why is it so close? If you earn less than $111,000 per year, Obama will give you a bigger tax cut. If you are approaching retirement, Obama will eliminate income tax on Seniors for the first $50,000 of income.

    Voting for McCain only makes sense if you earn $600,000 per year or more.

61. Stacy Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 7:29 am

    If these Physicians are so concerned about the health of uninsured citizens why don’t they see the citizens for free? If you are so concerned about the health of uninsured Americans DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. You make a difference instead of relying on the government to do it.

62. Mitchell Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    One last comment:

    There are many comments here stating that a national health plan will reduce the level of care available. Talk about lack of faith in our free market!!

    U.S. Postal Service - fostered niche for UPS, FedEx, etc.
    Interstate Highway - created need for faster tollways
    Police - private security
    Military - mercenaries

    Addressing the needs of the many does not reduce the options of the few.

63. Mitchell Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    McCain’s proposal is essentially a faith-based initiative - namely faith that minor incentives to competition will compel entrenched insurance companies to change their business plans and somehow thereby make insurance affordable to all. This is naive thinking, but moreover does nothing to address the difficulties faced by small-business, the self-employed (have you tried getting insurance outside of a group?), and those with prior issues. McCain’s ‘plan’ has no force to change anything and there is no example anywhere in the world of such a scheme working.

    Obama’s plan is ambitious. In point of fact, to work it will require the complete reinvention of the U.S. health insurance playing field. But that’s merely an indication of how broken the system is: we don’t require a band-aid, we need an amputation. Most profoundly, the system is modified from systems that have been shown to provide baseline coverage in many other countries, including France, The Netherlands, Canada, etc.

    “But those are all socialist countries!! You’re talking about socialized medicine!!” I can hear the duller among you exclaim. Somewhere along the front lines of staring down the Soviets, Americans confused communism with socialism. The fact is that America has historically embraced its socialist institutions for any service or purpose that the populace deemed important enough to merit representational control. Don’t get me wrong - free market forces ARE a tremendous force for fostering competition. But there are needs and values in this world that are too important to simply be delivered cheaply - they need to work correctly. Good enough is not good enough in matters of life and death. Point is, there ARE no purely capitalist nations out there. They are a balance of capitalist and socialist methods, and the nations that serve their citizen’s needs the best are those that recognize the value of both tools.

    If we’re going to mortgage the health of our nation over a misunderstood taboo label like ’socialist’, let’s at least be consistent in our stupidity. Let’s look at all of the other socialist services that we wouldnt’ have today:

    - The Federal Road and Highways system
    - Park system
    - Police, Fire, EMS services
    - Federal Emergency relief services
    - Military
    - Libraries
    - Justice system

    And let’s add to that those services that began as socialist institutions and were later privatized once they had used the leverage of a nation’s representative muscle to become established:
    - Postal service
    - National Museums, archives and zoos

    One last comment:

    There are many comments here stating that a national health plan will reduce the level of care available. Talk about lack of faith in our free market!!

    U.S. Postal Service - fostered niche for UPS, FedEx, etc.
    Interstate Highway - created need for faster tollways
    Police - private security
    Military - mercenaries

    Addressing the needs of the many does not reduce the options of the few.

64. Reese Says:
    September 21st, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    Does Obama’s health care plan mean that my existing health care costs will be lowered? I pay around $400.00 a month for the family plan. If Obama can promise me that I will pay less than that he may get my vote. But what I am reading is telling me that only people who are classified as low income or uninsured persons would get this brand new health care plan and that my company which is less than 200 employees may opt for a cheaper health plan. What if they don’t decide to take it and I am stuck still paying 400 a month? How will this help my family?

    Anyone care to elaborate the Obama plan using my own situation as an example?

65. Mare Finnegan Says:
    September 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 pm

    No one can stop the health insurance industry, or the pharmaceutical industry for that matter. The heatlh insurance industry’s pockets are deeper than anyone can fathom, and neither McCain nor Obama can do much to improve our access to quality health care & prescription drugs. Those companies will find a way to reduce their own costs - guess how? At the expense of American health care consumers. That’s you and me, folks, and no President can help us. We’re all screwed. It’s more important to focus on things they COULD change - like getting us out of Iraq and allocating more resources to our faltering education systems. In which case - Obama is the logical choice. Don’t believe me? Check their websites.

66. Ayla M Says:
    September 24th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    What is up with the personal attacks on the canidates? This is a discussion over the healthcare plans for each. Not a asault. National healthcare is possible. I also have friends in Canada and they LOVE it. It must be great to be able to go to the doctor when you need to without having to worry about having the co-pay or deductable or paying those high premiums. But then again, that IS a ideal. The US government doesn’t have the best track record. I don’t think I want them in control of my health or my children’s. Let the companies complete. Let the patient become a consumer. Supply and demand is an economicial reality. If patients (as consumers) demand lower health care, they will get it.

67. Tenisha I Says:
    September 25th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    i agree with obama plan because he is actually know what he is doing. mccain dosent has nothing on barack. barack has health care planed out. mccain dosent even know about healthcare so i vote for obama
    OBAMA 08!!

68. Tenisha I Says:
    September 25th, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    OBAMA is the key to succesed

69. NOT McCain FAN! Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 7:06 am

    John McCain slapped me

70. Brian Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 3:32 pm

    As a Canadian I can assure you that the vast majority would take our healthcare over the US system. To the Canadian who claimed how much happier he was that he could bring his grandfather to the US for 36 000 and get the surgery that he needed, well that’s great but very very few of your average citizens can afford that.

    If you have the money then feel free to go to the US and spend it but don’t forget about how many people could never dream to afford such a bill. I’d rather wait 6 months than remortgage my house.
    When I’m sick or injured I go to the doctor and have received nothing but excellent service free of charge.

71. TIRED OF BS Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    VA HOSPITAL DO EVERYTHING THIER WAY, THEY ARE EXTREMELY SLOW IN VERY WAY EVERY PROCESS. I WORK FOR LIFE INSURANCE, OUR APPLICANT NEEDED RECORDS FROM VA HOSPITAL, IT TAKES FOREVER. GOVERMENT TAKING CONTROLL OF HEALTHCARE, I WOULD VOTE-NO! I DON’T CARE IF IT’S REP. OR DEM. POST OFFICE IS REALLY SLOW, LOTS OUR DOCUMENTS, WE RELIED ON CARRIER LIKE FEDEX OR UPS…THNK ABOUT IT. BOTTOM LINE HEALTH CARE AND HEATH INSURENCE IN US IS JUST BAD, GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE IT WORST.

72. Mel Says:
    September 28th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    It is estimated that 17 million Americans would lose employer-provided health insurance were McCain’s plan to take effect. They would be forced to then buy their own non-group insurance plan, hardly covered by the 2500 - 5000 tax credit, averaging an out-of-pocket increase for a family to be $4000 extra a year in out-of-pocket expenses. McCain’s plan works, if you don’t get sick and you don’t want generous benefits. So, it’s a tough call. All I know is, I’m getting my ass to the gym if McCain gets elected. With Obama, I might as well be a couch potato.

73. Valesca Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 12:38 am

    I honestly feel that whomever is going to be President they should consider Health Insurance to be affordable for everyone in the U.S. We pay taxes to have criminals getting free insurance in jail,to build new roads or they use it for the war in Iraq..Its just not fair at all. Whatever decision they make I just hope its affordable for all of us and that they actually mean what they say not just saying that to win the Presidential Election..

74. I work for Fortunr 200 Health Insurance Company Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 5:54 am

    I have worked for two MAJOR HEALTH INSURANCE
    PROVIDERS as a NURSE CASE MANAGER. One of our industries dirty little secrets is this: If you have surgery or illness and a hospital claim of $50,000.00 of more, your on a HIGH Utilizer list. YES, a LIST! WE discuss YOU at weekly meetings to see how we could have reduced that cost. We Also have other list. We have a list of companies that purchase our insurance, if a company as a whole has high dollar payouts, quess what, premeiums go up when that company tries to renew with us, OR, we will not offer them insurance any longer. We also have whole teams of people in a SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT. These people will disect your previous health care claims, to see if we can deny anything not disclosed. TO EVEN begin to think the Insurance Industry will not pull more Dirty tricks under McCain’s Plan is sticking you head in the sand. McCain is a Cancer Survivor with DEEP Pockets. What about the person in his situation that is average? Should we HOPE, insurance premeiums will be fair. I CAN TELL YOU - NO. NO and NO!
    WAKE-UP, HEALTH INSURANCE DOES AND WILL PROTECT THEMSELVES FIRST, FOREMOST AND ALWAYS!!!!!!! THEY WILL FIND THE LOOPHOLE in MCCAIN”S PLAN. AS YES - WE ALREADY HAVE TEAMS AND LIST OF WAYS TO SLIP THROUGH THE MCCAIN PLAN. BELIEVE OR NOT.

75. Health Insurance Nurse Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 6:32 am

    I just read the last comment. Yes, it is true, if you have a High Dollar Claim, you are on your Health Insurance’s High Utilizer List. My company, encourages, almost demand that a company buying our insurance have their employees fill out a Health Assessment Risk sheet. We do not disclose your individual results to the company you work for, as that would violet HIPPA. But, for a purchasing company, it is NOT that hard to figure out. who’s obese, smokes, or been off work for a while with a major illness or surgery. Mc Cain’s plan will allow the insurance companies to TURN THEIR BACKS on individuals with PRE-EXSITING CONDITIONS. Mc Cain’s plan does not go far enough to ensure that American’s with pre-exisitng conditions will have Affordable insurance. That makes me sad, as I am/was a Republican. But as a Health Insurance Insider, I do know individuals will still not be able to afford their Health Care
    premiums, unless they are Text Book Healthy. ARE YOU, DO YOU PLAN ON NEVER BECOMING ILL, OR BEING INJURED? WHAT IF YOUR CHILD IS ILL OR BORN UNHEALTHY. WE AT THE INSURANCE COMPANY KEEP TRACK OF THE CLAIMS AND ALWAYS WATCH FOR THE WHEN THE BENEFITS ARE EXHUSTED, MEANING YOUR REACHED YOU MAXIUM AND WE ARE OFF THE HOOK. IT’S ALL UP TO YOU VOTERS.

76. A Health Care Professional Says:
    September 30th, 2008 at 11:40 am

    Please EVERYONE, read on the Health Delivery system France delivers: The Health Care System I Want Is in France, French Health Care: C’est Magnifique. By MARY CLINE, PARIS April 15, 2008. It can work here !!!! But only if we push for it !!!!! Frace is voted by The World Health Organization as the BEST in the WORLD.

77. Logan Says:
    October 1st, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    who said anything about socialized health care? obama’s plan is not. what’s wrong with lowering the cost of health care? what’s wrong with taking insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers down a peg or two? what i think is obsurd is that millions are uninsured because they can’t afford it. isn’t the roll of government to ensure the well-being of its citizens? and i think that the lessez-faire approach has failed more than once. not to say its a bad thing, but there should be certain things (i.e. health care, economy) that should have a little oversite. in either case, stop bickering about socialized health care because that’s not what it is.

78. hotwhitechick Says:
    October 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    seriously the only people that are bitching about socialized health care are the ones that could afford any health care plan. They dont think about people that are working minimum wage, paying child support, being forced to pay for the highest family coverage. They honestly think that $2000-$5000 would cover any health plan. There sorely mistaken. Hell that is the deductible on many plans now.
    Mc Cain is basically doing this to tax the illegals, thats all this is because they will not be able to cash in on there benefits….

79. Anna Says:
    October 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 pm

    Shear competition alone hasn’t been effective in lowering health care costs yet, so how is McCain going to make it any different? How, specifically, will he promote competition? Obama gives specific steps for making health care more affordable: caps on premiums and price controls on drug companies, among other ways. If this plan is put forward, we can ensure that health care is affordable, rather than just hope it becomes so when the market gets competitive enough.

    Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, Obama is pushing for ALL people-even people who are currently sick and who most insurance companies would turn down-to get coverage.

80. Denise Says:
    October 5th, 2008 at 1:17 am

    Jeez, where to start. Some folks on this blog have excellent insight and try to filter out the propaganda (on both sides). Others just attack the candidates, and political party, they don’t like. Some “illegal alien” speak and gas prices are also sprinkled somewhere. Here are a few realities:

    - Nobody on this blog have enough information to make a true informed decision. Why? Because the candidates’ themselves don’t know.
    - Going on the information presented in this article, there is government involvement in both plans. Obama proposes what I interpret as an “extension” to what we have in Medicare/Medicade. McCain proposes government-sponsored or regulation (which is unless to me – either way the government is involved) in cases where people are denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. So, by definition, both plans have socialist attributes.
    - McCain’s plan relies heavily on the free market. Many argue that this mentality got us in the bailout checkmate plan to begin with. Further argument echoes that $2500/yr tax credit is enough (I wonder if you’d get taxed on this credit by reporting it as income … bygones). This equates to roughly $208.34 per month. Some folks on this blog have quoted up to $400 per month which leaves roughly an additional $200 out of pocket for coverage alone.
    - Obama’s plan heavily relies on saving money by cutting through red tape in underwriting costs, etc. He supports both private (free market) and government-regulated insurance companies. He promises that government-based will help low-income citizens pay a “reasonable” premium. What that means is unclear. He also mandates that all children be covered somehow, private or otherwise.
    - Both plans appear to step in when someone straight out can’t afford full insurance. How McCain’s plan addresses the extra $200 for the $400 premium, I don’t know. Under Obama’s plan, who qualifies as “low-income”, I don’t know. The devil is in the details.

    My personal thoughts:
    - To those who don’t think it’s right to use tax-payers’ money to insure obese, smoking, unhealthy-lifestyle people, here’s some food for thought (no pun intended). Why should I have to pay for families? I don’t have kids. (This is applies to many social programs but that’s a different discussion). Why should I pay for social security? Not my fault old people didn’t save. Why should I pay for the pregnant woman? (To put it very crudely) Not my fault she didn’t keep her legs crossed. The list goes on and on.
    - The illegals: why should I pay for them? They’re illegal, yes, but they pay for taxes, albeit not much, that they will never see social security.
    - To the lady with an SUV whose gas prices are too high. Not my fault you had too many kids that you can’t cram in a Prius. As a side note, Dems are not to blame for the oil prices. Simple economics of supply and demand (for your SUV) and dependence on foreign oil are to blame. BTW, I do own a hybrid. Why should I suffer the consequences of your irresponsible gas guzzler?

    Why? Because we are a country of compassion. Everybody knows that a man having a stroke will not be denied at a hospital due to lack of coverage. Is it fair that some abuse the system? No. But it’s also not fair for the person who lost his job and has been paying taxes for years to have nothing.

    The system is broken but it’s better than other places. Nobody gets turned away for serious problems. Neither McCain’s nor Obama’s plan is perfect. I advise that we get as much information as possible without “total socialism” or “high taxes” are thrown around. AND I advise that you look at all the issues facing the country before choosing a candidate.

    Either way, make your voice be heard. VOTE!

    Thanks for reading, off my soap box now.

81. the lil life (lil) Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    dude you kidding me OBAMA RULES everyone who opposes obama is dumb because we are the number 1 RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD LOOK AT CUBA THEY ARE SO POOR AND THEY STILL HAVE FREE HEALTH CARE UNLIKE US WE HAVE SHIT HEALTH CARE THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR

82. the lil life (lil) Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    helo denise but im sorry to im too YOUNG BY LIKE 6YEARSA!!!!!!!!! =D

83. Josh Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    Most of you democrats would vote Satan into office if he was a democrat. You have to realize, just because someone says they are one thing, doesn’t mean they won’t change. Sound familiar? “Change”, Obama’s campaign is all about “change”. Is it good or bad? Who knows? If it starts to be bad maybe Obama will just say he’s gonna “change” something else. Change, change, change… The only thing Obama changes is his own mind, and changes that frequently. Why do people even think that by watching the news they actually learn something about a candidate. This election is the most biased handy-capped race for a man who everyone thinks is being criticized for his race, so the media turns people and those who don’t pay attention want to get him into office without knowing anything about him.Voters please listen closely when I say this, please do your research before you vote for a candidate. Oh and if you want health insurance get a job.

    Here’s my campaign…

    “STOP CAPABLE PEOPLE FROM LIVING OFF OF GOVERNMENT WELFARE”

84. aa Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 6:03 pm

    dude you kidding me OBAMA RULES everyone who opposes obama is dumb because we are the number 1 RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD LOOK AT CUBA THEY ARE SO POOR AND THEY STILL HAVE FREE HEALTH CARE UNLIKE US WE HAVE SHIT HEALTH CARE THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR

85. Marc Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 6:38 pm

    Having lived outside the United States for 2 years, I have had the opportunity to access other health care systems and take a look at the U.S. system from afar. It is quite troubling to me that many U.S. citizens view government sponsored programs as taboo because they are “socialist”. First of all, socialist does not equal communist. Second of all, we should remember that the healthcare system in the United States is the most inefficient and expensive in the world. There are certain rights that every U.S. citizen should have; healthcare should be one of them. In our current system, healthcare is not considered a right since the government does not guarantee that everyone can access treatment. Healthcare should be considered no different than education. Every child has the right to public education in the United States. And although the education system is in need of serious reform, at least education guaranteed for every child. We need to start viewing healthcare in a similar manner and taking care of our fellow citizens instead of leaving them behind in the dust.

86. Jazzybhigh Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    I believe for the poor middle class people Obama’s plan is best!You all say you hate Bush and you see the damage he’s done to america, yet you want another republican in office. That’s like shooting yourself in the head. Obama all the way!! America needs to wake up!!!!! Don’t you know if Obama becomes president all people of any race will have a chance to be whatever they want to be. It’s time for a change. America needs a new face and it’s not McCain.

87. kewe Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 8:43 pm

    What’s with the brainwashing that the socialism-oriented program argument is black and white - they are morally and fundamentally wrong? To me this underlies the failure of education in this country.

    Our autocratic society has proven that corporatizing and/or deregulating things like health care and education is an abject failure and is destroying our culture in significant ways.

    Health care and education beg for a socialistic approach. This absolutely should be the role of government because health care and education should be a fundamental right of each citizen.

    So, how could anyone suggest that providing the same health care congress gets be a socialist bad thing? Nonsense. And isn’t it ironic that our failure of education has led to fear of even common sense socialism? Remember fear of other ideas comes primarily from a lack of understanding them.

88. Ike Says:
    October 9th, 2008 at 11:25 am

    If healthcare is a right, then what else is our “right.” Part of staying healthy is eating properly (so I want the government to pay for my food) and having a warm place to live (Govt can pay off my house) Clothing (can’t walk around naked, govt should pay for my clothing) etc…..

    This is sarcasm. I do not believe that government run healthcare is the right way to go. We need to find a way to make healthcare more affordable for our citizens, yes, but just giving it out isn’t the way to go. I feel that we should do something to help provide care for children who are uninsured, but if we are going to say that healthcare is our government-given right, then where are we going to stop?!

89. joshua Says:
    October 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    I PERFERR MCCAIN!!!!

90. Jon Says:
    October 9th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    I am not going to read through all of these comments. I have been watching all of the debates and speeches. I watch the news before and after work, mostly MSNBC. I have noticed nothing but negative, defensive & angry comments from McCain. For quite a few reasons, not just about health care, I do not trust McCain at all. He is just like Bush just not “out of it” looking, he seems smarter. Last think I would want is a smarter Bush; he would cause huge problems out of anger. Obama shows self control and intelligence above and beyond. He would be better not just for the US but for everything we are involved with in the world. I have a strong feeling Obama will make it to the White House, I pray he does for everyone’s sake. GO OBAMA!!!

91. TOBY Says:
    October 9th, 2008 at 6:41 pm

    Where is everyone getting the idea that everything bad in our country is Bush’s fault? I am not a Bush fan, but let’s be realistic. We have a DEMOCRACY so that no ONE person makes or carries out decisions. The shape this country is in took years and the actions of many, many people. I can’t believe anyone would vote strictly DEM or REP because of the party, regardless of their beliefs! Please, please, please people. Do your research and vote for the best candidate! Not for race or party or hairstyle. This is much bigger!

92. Election Roundup #8: Mostly About Health Care « Very Important Stuff Says:
    October 10th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

    […] the Obama and McCain health care plans.  If I have time, I will write more about this later.  Here is another summary of the plans and their differences.  (I cannot vouche for its […]

93. erin Says:
    October 10th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

    i’m interested to hear some people say obama is too idealistic. are we really okay with just settling on mediocre outlooks and ideas? maybe if we were more idealistic, instead of playing on people’s fears, the US would be in better shape. i say it’s better to think big, even if you don’t make it all the way.

    i also think it’s disappointing to hear that clinton supporters will vote for mccain. the two are like apples and oranges….

    oh and ps. obama’s plan is not socialism! can you read?!

94. Maria Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 5:46 am

    Mccain’s Health care plan is the biggest insult to anyone with a 1/2 brain and able to read and do a little analysis.
    Obama’s plan would increase government’s role in health care, and mandate coverage for children, but would include existing health care systems and not mandate universal coverage. There is no evidence in the plan to support Palin’s claim that health care would be “taken over by the feds.”

    The Obama plan would increase the federal government’s role in health care by requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing or chronic conditions and requiring all employers other than very small businesses to offer coverage to their employees or pay part of the costs to cover them. But it would also include existing private insurance options, would use existing providers and plans and would allow people to choose their own doctors and methods of insurance. According to Obama’s Web site, people who are pleased with their current health care coverage and happy with their current doctor will not have to change anything. Employers that cannot afford health care for their employees would be eligible for subsidies.
    MCcain plan give a miserable tax credit of $2500 per individual and family $5000
    what if your coverage is more than that which is the case for many.
    Under MCcain’s health plan
    Those with employer-sponsored coverage will pay taxes on the value of health care benefits they receive from their employers. It’s not that families will receive a windfall of $5,000, but that the credit will more or less offset the increased taxes they’ll pay.

    Who saves money and who loses under this plan, depends on the tax bracket an individual or family is in and what their health coverage costs. Those who would benefit most from McCain’s tax credit are those who already buy their own private plans and don’t receive tax benefits. MCcain plan will also discorage employer based health care coverage overtime leaving people on their own to buy insurance.
    If you have a brain it is very easy to see that for the majority of American’s OBama’s plan is a win.
    If you are very wealthy then you don’t need neither Obama or Mccain you can afford any health care anyway.

    Read people Read stop being sheep..Herd.. Human cows…..

95. Joe McKinley Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 8:07 am

    To anyone who thinks that John McCain’s plan for continued emphasis on deregulation in the heathcare industry will lead to anything more than increased costs and profits for the insurance industry, you are naive! Look at the mess we are in with “banking” deregulation and the continued increases in health insurance premiums we have all incurred over the last 20 years. Some level of regulation is required to ensure that every single American has an option for basic healthcare insurance. Barack Obama has the “hybrid” plan which allows for such an outcome.

96. r b Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    Obama’s health care plan is unconstitutional! Americans should not be forced to have health care or anything else like this - adults OR children. “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have” - Thomas Jefferson

97. Rene Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    I keep looking at Obama’s plan and trying to become a believer, but I just can not. I am a small business owner and can not get over the misleading comments and direct move to socialism. I spend over 50% of my overhead labor cost just meeting government data and audit requirements. I don’t need more. I see nothing in the plan that will help me, it will only cost more. The last time we competed our health plan we got 4 competitive bids even with a million dollar baby in our past. Our premium costs is no where near what his campaign has said is the national average. I think the Obama plan will do nothing to increase my cost. BTW, our employees only pay 20% of their premium costs…..so how are they going to save 2500 a year when they only pay about 1600???

98. All about the "O" Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    Barack Obama’s plan is the clear winner. I am not a Democrat or Republican. I vote for the best. Obama has the best plan for 99% of the issues at hand especially healthcare. McCain is out to make money for the government and give huge tax brakes to the rich. Right now the government controls the pharmaceutical companies. That’s why medication is so damn expensive. Talk about socialism? How about gas prices? Socialism? The government gets about 30% of each dollar spent on gas. Is that socialism? They put taxes on top of taxes and tax you at the end of the year.

    VOTE OBAMA. We need a change. Can you imagine Palin as president if McCain drops dead of a heart attack? God Help US!!!

    Peace out…

99. Kirsten Says:
    October 13th, 2008 at 11:19 am

    I would just like to let everyone that is reading this site that the information that you are looking at is not totally fatual. McCain actually proposed a $5,000 tax credit for insurance whereas Obama’s is only $2500 Looks like McCain’s is going to save you money. Go ahead and vote for the Anti American terrorist that is actually going to raise taxes and make sure that we become a socialist country but don’t complain to thos of that have a brain in our head and are not stupid enough to believe his or the media’s idea of democracy. On a final note Palin is not stupid she is actually more intelligent then most democrats they portray her as stupid because they were too stupid to choose a female as VP candidate. Good Luck God forid we elect Obama!!!!!

100. Taras Kulynych Says:
     October 13th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

     first of all i hope we can all agree that the 4th post made by johnny pancakes has actually made everyone feel smarter because of how stupid that post was! In response to the second post made by Slanier, the republicans are keeping your gas prices lower by extorting other countries for their gas and votes in the UN. The countries with oil are being forced to use their profits from oil to pay for jobs done by AMERICAN engineering companies like MAIN for example. There is a great book out called Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins, and I’d like to give you a quote from his book, “The resources and cheap labor that feed nearly all of our businesses come from places like Indonesia, and very little ever makes its way back. The loans of foreign aid ensure that today’s children and their grandchildren will be held hostage. They will have to allow corporations to ravage their natural resources and will have to forego education, health and other social services merely to pay us back. The fact that our own companies already receive most of this money to build the power plants, airports, and industrial parks does not factor into this formula. Does the excuse that most Americans are unaware of this constitute innocence?” -Perkins
     As for Health care, I would like to see a combination of the two’s plans because i do believe McCain’s health care plan is more realistic, however something more needs to be done and Obama has got some of the ideas that I believe this country needs to see in terms of health care and regulation of businesses, because business and politics have come to close to sleeping together but not holding hands in public. I believe it began when the total oil embargo was placed on the US by our biggest oil supplier, Saudi Arabia and other arab producers for a short period of time after President Nixon asked congress for $2.2 billion in aid to Isreal. This shook the US and big corporations, international banks and government bonded like never before. I do believe some gov regulation is necessary but as for cheaper gas my Slanier friend do some reading before you think you know your facts.

101. Andrea Says:
     October 13th, 2008 at 2:45 pm

     I’m sure I’m simplifying this, but I have health insurance through work. It looks to me like Obama’s plan will either cost me more money or stay the same as what I am paying now and McCains plan will give me a $5k tax credit towards what I am paying now. Is that right?

102. Cole Says:
     October 13th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

     A lot of you are amazing. you think that Obama is the freaking messiah and that he will just make everything so much better. Wake up people! You will not benefit from have the exact same health care as your friends that live 400 miles away. health care needs to vary and competition needs to thrive. If you support Obama then i hope and pray none of you get sick if he is elected.

103. Lisa Says:
     October 13th, 2008 at 9:40 pm

     I have worked many years in the medical field. I currently work in a small rural medical office. I can assure you the physician I work for nor our staff are getting rich. As a matter of fact, she cannot even offer decent insurance to me due to cost. I am covered through my husband’s employer. Under Obama’s plan she would be fined for this but it actually works better for me because I have better, more affordable coverage through his larger group employer.
     There are so many critics of Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act and how the added involvement of govement in the school systems have caused so many qualified teaching professionals more difficulty in accomplishing their jobs. It seems to me that universal healthcare would cause similar difficulty in the health care system. I do agree that something needs to be changed about our healthcare system. I currently spend several hours of my workdays trying to get prior authorization (or as I call it begging insurance companies to allow my physician to schedule patients) for much needed testing. There is abuse across the board in the system by patients, physicians, facilities and insurance companies but total government control does not seem to be the answer to me.
     And to answer someone’s question about re: “why seniors and veterans deserve insurance?” Please remember that the most of these seniors have spent their lifetimes working and paying taxes into this system as well as the fact that the veterans have fought to provide you the freedom to debate and vote on this issue.
     I have an autoimmune disease myself but financially I have to work. Believe me I emphathize with those above who have mentioned difficulties with health issues and working at jobs where insurance is not offered. Prior to my husbands improved coverage, I stayed at a very difficult job that was quite a strain on my health to keep my health benefits. Those were difficult years but in hind sight I know it was the best thing for me and my family at the time which is my first priority.
     In addition, I am married to the son of an elected official and have had the unfortunate experience of having someone say some very ugly things in front of my 3 y/o daughter about her grandfather. The cheap shots only make your candidate’s supporters look shallow. Look at the positive and make a good case for your candidate. I believe if everyone will go to the polls and vote according to their personal beliefs then they have done the right thing.

104. Bryant Says:
     October 13th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

     Obama has a a wonderful plan… if you believe in fairy tales. McCain’s plan is much less stupid.

     Obama wants to give everyone coverage including pre-existing conditions. That’s great, we will all just cancel health insurance coverage until we need it.

     The fact is that somebody has to pay for crack head Bob when he gets his legs broken again for not paying his drug dealer on time.

     I am surprised that Obama is not claiming that he will miraculously heal everyone from their sickness.

105. Unfinished Healthcare Blog « Sir Tinajero’s Weblog Says:
     October 14th, 2008 at 7:42 am

     […] Health Care Stance: http://www.decison.healthcare.com/pbama-mccain/ http://www.health-insurance-carriers.com/blog/health-care-john-mccain-vs-barack-obama/ […]

106. Zach Says:
     October 14th, 2008 at 11:15 am

     John McCrackhead is a joke!

107. lasaunda Says:
     October 14th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

     Comments about taking money out of one’s pocket to put into someone else’s is sort of true. But you should look at it in a different point of view. One day you might be on top of it all and just like that u can fall down, then you will be one of those people who need that help. I see it as balancing the world out. If you can afford health care it’s good on your behalf, but in the case that you can’t you should not have to live an unhealthy life. Not everyone is rich and not everyone is poor, so with that you can’t say people should work like you or can afford the things you do. Everyone’s living situation is not the same. In conclusion, I hate negative responses and there are better ways to express what you feel without bashing other people life styles. For me it doesn’t matter who wins because i’m going to get money regardless, but i care about others and with that i support Obama.

108. Been there Says:
     October 15th, 2008 at 4:51 am

     Government run hospitals are dangerous. I’m in the health care profession and I’ve seen the VA hospitals. They are horrible and dangerous. The physicians that work there don’t care and are lazy because they aren’t willing to work hard enough to make it on there own in the private sector. The private sector is run by competition and hard working physicians that will do the right thing because if they screw up people talk. In the hospital you don’t really have much of a choice when you are really ill. In order for this to work, those in Washington need to go to med school first. Then, and only then, will an idealistic plan like Obama’s work.

109. NIkki Says:
     October 15th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

     I really don’t see crappy heath care in this country. As a single mom who used to be on welfare I have great coverage at my job that I bust my rear to get to every day so that I will never have to take a handout again. Screw those people who bought those ARMs and would rather drive a BMW than provide healthcare for themselves. What happened to personal responsibility? I used gov benefits for 2 years and 2 years only. As soon as I got my AA I got more than 1 job and worked hard. I sacrifice so that I can provide for my family. I would never buy stupid things and then expect someone else to provide my necessities. I went from a 17 year old single mom on welfare to a 32 year old single mother that owns her own home and is overall pretty successful. This economy DOES need to crash. People need to take a much needed look at their spending habits. And another thing……lol

110. NIkki Says:
     October 15th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

     BTW - that government provided Medical Assistance sucked. The quality was horrible.

111. FRANCE NUMBER ONE HEALTHCARE ! Says:
     October 15th, 2008 at 4:15 pm

     France has been voted Number 1 in Health Care Delivery, by the World Health Organization. This is the type of system we need to move toward!!!! It is Govt run but VERY WELL !!!!

112. Aja Says:
     October 16th, 2008 at 6:13 am

     Holy Cold War Brainwash!! All this talk of fear of “socialism” and “Communism” about a unified health care plan is just so absolutely ridiculous… If you research it, it is neither of the above, it is simply a government providing health care for it’s citizens. I find that a hell of a lot less scary than my health insurance being run by a FOR-PROFIT PRIVATE COMPANY. Do you think they are looking out for your best interests, really???

     The US is the only developed Western country that does not provide health care for it’s own people, so what does that say?

     John McCain said very patronizingly last night about Obama’s health care, “If you like that go live in Canada or England “. I’m Canadian who nows lives in the UK and has lived in the US before and I think both systems are MUCH MUCH better than the current US system.

     If ours is so bad, why do so many Americans go to Canada to get medical treatment and prescriptions?

113. What is Obama's personal health Insurance like? Says:
     October 16th, 2008 at 6:22 am

     Obama stated that if you did not have Health Insurance through an employer, you would be allowed to purchase the same Federal Plan that both he and McCain have. Does ANYONE know much about the plan that covers these two? Is it any good? Is it an HMO or PPO or can McCain and Obama choose an HMO or PPO through the Federal Insurance Program. After the third debate ended, I was very dissappointed that I did NOT feel secure that Pre-Existing conditions were not clarified by Mc Cain, This SCARES ME !!! I like McCain over Obama, but why didn’t McCain educate us about the Pre-Exisitng conditions of his health proposal?

114. Joseph Says:
     October 16th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

     I’m voting for Obama! Look folks. The only people who fear a “type” of Socialism are those who feel they have something to loose. Let’s take a long look at capitalism. What has it left us? Rising un-employment, difficulty in getting health care, a damaged economy, rich oil companies, and not enough jobs to support the American worker, no thanks to the profit-making cooperates investing their money in foreign employment because they’re cheaper, and expendable employees! Socialism has its good sides, as long as it’s not abused. Capitalism also has its good sides as long as it’s not abuse. But Capitalism has been abused, and creates a class war. Capitalism pays expensive athletes, while the high school teacher struggles to make ends meet. Capitalism retires a major CEO of BIG OIL at more than $140,000,000, while th