November 3, 2008

Today's Election and Tomorrow's Healthcare

Dean Halverson

Healthcare’s future will be decided in tomorrow’s election. As President, Obama or McCain will have the power to re-structure the industry – that is, if congress agrees to go along with the plan. Here are the basics of each plan:

McCain
- Focuses on open competition
- Tax reduction of $1,241 total for 65% of families
- Best for young and healthy
- May reduce employer coverage

See this Washington Post article as a reference
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/28/AR200810...

Obama
- Focuses on government coverage of uninsured, especially children
- $782 tax reduction for 48% of families
- Expansion of Medicaid
- Better for all ages and health conditions

See this Washington Post article as a reference
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/28/AR200810...

The catch to both plans is efficiency in healthcare. Even if funding is available, both plans will only work if more is done to make the industry run better. While both candidates provide solutions for coverage, neither is ready to properly scrutinize and change the problems inherent in the system.

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