Campaign 2008
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THE ISSUE: HEALTHCARE

McCain talks about healthcare

John McCain

  • Would end tax breaks for employer-provided health insurance
  • Says healthcare is the individuals' responsibility, and would provide a refundable tax credit of $2,500 per person, or $5,000 for families, to help people buy health policies
  • Would promote competition by allowing people to buy insurance across state lines
  • Would make it tougher to sue doctors in some cases
  • Says highest priority is veterans' healthcare
  • Says government should control health costs to keep manufacturers competitive
  • No universal or insurance coverage
  • Wants to expand insurance to 11 million uncovered children
  • Obama talks about healthcare

    Barack Obama

  • Says problem is affordability
  • Supports universal coverage by 2012 including guaranteed eligibility, comprehensive benefits, and affordable premiums
  • Would pay for the coverage with a tax on employers who don't provide coverage.
  • Would go after insurance companies to lower costs
  • Supports giving subsidies to those who can't afford care
  • Would only require coverage for children
  • Would aim to lower drug costs by allowing patients to by drugs from abroad and letting the government negotiate lower prices
  • SOURCES: Boston Globe, Reuters