Nearly 47 million Americans, most of who are in working families, do not have health insurance. For those with health coverage, our health costs are skyrocketing. We are at a critical time. We need a health plan that ensures coverage for all of us and is economically viable. Obama's plan will do that.
The Obama plan will do the following:
- Require all employers to contribute towards health coverage for their employees or towards the cost of a public plan. Be aware Wal-Mart!
- Expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP program. This means that more people, including children, will receive health coverage.
- Establish a public insurance program so that those who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP or those without health insurance provided from their employers can still receive affordable coverage.
- Reduce health insurance costs for the average family by up to $2500 a year
- Improve and prioritize prevention of chronic diseases.
- Require that children have health insurance. This does not mean that families who cannot afford their children's health coverage will be penalized. If does mean, however, that children will be covered one way or another. That's a good thing. Children need health care, perhaps more so than anyone else. Lack of adequate health care during the childhood years can mean long-term negative health repercussions. Too many children currently are not receiving adequate health care. Obama's plan will fix that.
By focusing on prevention, health care costs will be significantly reduced. By providing universal health coverage, spending on uncompensated health care will be significantly reduced.
Now let's be clear about one thing: Contrary to McCain's claims, Obama's plan WILL NOT mean a government-run health insurance for those who don't want it. If you have health insurance and are happy with your plan, you can keep it. No one is taking away your right to choose your own coverage. Obama's proposed national health insurance will be for those who cannot afford health insurance otherwise.
Want more details on Obama's plan and an explanation of McCain's proposal? Go to
http://www.factcheck.org/...