Health Plans: Obama vs. McCain
I subscribe to ConsumerReports magazine for a variety of reasons. I believe they are fair and balanced and that, having relied on their recommendations, it has also saved me a lot of time and money. The November 2008 issue takes a close look at the details behind the Obama health plan for America and the McCain health plan for America. ((Original photos courtesy of richardmasoner, C_Dave, and mikewade. Photo editing: me.))
In order to view the full five pages of in depth analysis and review, you have to be a subscriber. However,
A surprising amount of their analysis on these two plans is available for free on their site.
- Brief overview of Obama and McCain health plans
- A subscription is required to see how each plan would effect five different broad demographics: (1) 60+ (2) well-insured (3) young and uninsured (4) barely insured and (5) the sick and barely insured
- Obama and McCain health plan highlights, comparisons, and similarities
- Its really worth your time to examine this chart.
I learned some interesting things about Obama’s and McCain’s respective health plans from reviewing their websites. Here are some of the things I’ve learned about thier plans:
- McCain offers $2,500.00 tax credits per individual or $5,000.00 per family. These tax credits go directly to the insurance company of your choice. McCain’s plan would tax employee health benefits as income. Under ConsumerReports’ analysis, the taxes and tax credit may be a wash in most circumstances.
- Obama’s plan prevents insurers from rejecting anyone with a pre-existing condition, from raising prices for the sick, and from canceling policies as long as you’ve paid up your premiums.