Skip navigation
HomeHomeIssuesCandidatesPrimary Calendar


For some, it is all about reform of an ailing system. For others, it is about creating a new one. And if providing health care coverage to those who don’t already have it isn’t challenging enough, there’s the matter of controlling costs even if you already do. Mandatory universal coverage is gaining political currency, but there’s disagreement over whether it is the government, private sector or individual – or some combination of the three – that pays for it.

 

HEALTH CARE

 

  • Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

      Her American Health Choices Plan promises to provide coverage to all Americans without an increase in health care spending or taxes. People would be able to keep their existing coverage or have access to a public plan similar to Medicare.  The plan would lower premiums by removing hidden taxes and increasing prevention and efficiency. Would provide tax credits for working families and small businesses. Both S-CHIP  and Medicaid would be expanded.

  • John McCain (R)

      McCain believes that affordable health care can be made available to all Americans without a mandated universal system and that government-run systems such as those in Canada and Europe would not succeed in the U.S. Also opposes requiring all citizens purchase insurance. Supports expanding community health centers and S-CHIP programs, tax incentives for the poor and health savings accounts. Opposes Medicare’s prescription drug benefit

  • Barack Obama (D)

      Wants to provide affordable, comprehensive health care to every American, modernize the system, improve quality of treatment and promote prevention.  Employers (excluding small businesses that do not meet a revenue threshold) not offering coverage would be required to contribute funds to the national plan. Employers will be partially reimbursed for catastrophic costs. Would expand Medicaid and S-CHIP to cover all children.





ADDITIONAL POLITICAL COVERAGE


HOME  |  NEWS  |  MARKETS  |  EARNINGS  |  INVESTING  |  VIDEO  |  CNBC TV  |  CNBC PLUS  |  CNBC HD+
About CNBC   |   Site Map   |   Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Service   |   Advertise   |   Help   |   Feedback   |   Video Reprints
  Data is a real-time snapshot   *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes

Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis