How Will They Pay For That Health Insurance Plan?December 2007
At long last medical coverage is getting the kind of attention it deserves, as presidential hopefuls respond to the public's outcry for more affordable insurance. But as promises get made right and left, it's difficult to keep in mind that when it comes time to implement any
health insurance plan, we still have to figure out how it's going to be paid for.
This same argument has been a point of concern for two of the democratic hopefuls, as both John Edwards and Barack Obama contend with questions regarding the funding of their medical coverage plans.
Presidential candidate and former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) says that under his health care plan, U.S. residents who can afford to pay for health insurance could have their wages garnished or tax refunds withheld in the event that they do not obtain coverage. Part of this particular health insurance plan is based on the notion that health care costs are so high because the insured are paying for the medical debt accrued by the uninsured. However, the problem here is that it's difficult to define who can and can't "afford" to pay for insurance, and others fear that such a radical change in American health care policy could lead to serious economic ramifications.
In contrast, Illinois Senator Barack Obama is campaigning against universal health care. While he does believe that all children should have a universal health insurance plan, Obama's plan doesn't require a mandate for adults. While this appeases those who fear universal health care, there are those who argue that people who do have coverage will continue to pay for those who don't, regardless of how much
medical coverage does or doesn't cost.
Facts on:
Medical Coverage 2008
Did you know...
More than 43 millions of Americans have no health insurance, and millions more are underinsured?
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The complicated nature of these arguments reveals that American health care is a complex topic, and though it is a broken system, it's a system that won't be easy to fix.
But one thing is for sure, those people who do make healthy lifestyle decisions and attend yearly checkups don't get sick nearly as often as those who don't. So consumers are urged to keep up the good work with their health, and maintain some form of insurance that allows for yearly appointments.
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