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Now that we have mere days until the election, are we sure the candidates have our health insurance concerns in mind? Both candidates have plans for combating the huge numbers of uninsured and underinsured citizens in the U.S., but they differ greatly in their implementation.

To put it (very) simply, Senator McCain wishes to deregulate the insurance industry gradually, "as we have done over the last decade with banking." Obama, on the other hand, wants to expand the government's role in the insurance industry.

The Los Angeles Times points out that McCain's recent reference and comparison to the banking industry could be catastrophic to his healthcare proposal. Although the health insurance market is very different than the stock market, the association could leave a bad taste in a voter's mouth.

Potentially a hindrance to the Democratic ticket, Obama's plan includes forcing insurers to cover everyone and to make the benefits standardized. If everyone gets the same health insurance coverage, this could cause insurers to raise rates, and it robs individuals from selecting options best suited to their needs.

After all, a young, healthy, non-smoking man shouldn't have to choose the same coverage that an older woman with heart disease may need. And a 58 year old man suffering with arthritis may want a plan tailored to his needs, rather than the same as that of a college student.

Private insurance (with fewer regulations) allows for more a la carte options, but if McCain's plan to allow insurance to be bought across state lines were to become law there may be another problem, critics point out. With increased competition, insurance companies are predicted to offer skimpy "Bargain Basement" plans to individuals.

McCain wants health insurance more privatized; Obama wants much more government involvement. Both plans will cost money, and both plans seem to be getting some of their funds from the people that need them the most: McCain plans to take it from the elderly by diverting Medicare funds, and Obama will fine business owners that can't or won't swing for group health insurance.

Despite current market difficulties, one thing is for certain: both candidates hope to provide consumers more alternatives.