FREE HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTES Start here...

Select Insurance Type:

Individual Health Group Health Small Business Health Short Term Health Family Health Medicare Supplemental Travel Insurance

Zip code:

Kaiser Network examined an article by the Wall Street Journal this week, and in particular Republican presidential nominee John McCain's health plan. The major issue is the same one that's been haunting him all along - what would happen to those with pre-existing conditions under such a plan?

The Journal concludes that while shifting the focus to individual health insurance could help some, there are too many Americans out there with these conditions to save us or them much in the way of money.

McCain's plan would shift the focus away from employer provided health coverage to individual health insurance by replacing tax breaks for employers with a refundable tax credit for as much as $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families.

But McCain's critics have been arguing all along that this doesn't leave an option for those who have pre-existing conditions. Historically, group and employer based plans could offer lower premiums because not all employees will get sick. But in terms of individual health insurance many people with pre-existing conditions must pay much more.

McCain's answer are "high risk health insurance pools" that are subsidized by the government.

The problem is that use of such pools in the past hasn't been very successful. Premiums can still be too high, and benefits too restricted.

In all, the conclusion is that while the focus on individual health insurance could save money for many employers and consumers struggling to pay their premiums, those people who have a pre-existing condition would still find themselves struggling for the coverage they so desperately need.