Healthcare policies of Obama and McCain? Which is better?

I have to say I think Obama's is a better plan. McCain's plan will have us paying taxes on the portion our employer's contribute. For me, I would pay more in taxes than what his $5000 credit would pay in premiums. McCain's plan does nothing for the people who are deemed "uninsurable". I like the fact that Obama's plan will cover anyone who wants to BUY into it. There are so many reasons that an insurance company will reject you. Some as crazy as deafness. In my opinion, insurance companies should have a balanced risk. They accept only the healthiest people so they don't have to pay out claims. I also believe that every child should have insurance. They deserve a chance to have a healthy start in their lives. Thanks for the topic! It's nice to see someone thinking about the issues.

This is an issue that I am very split on. I used to be 100% for Universal, but after reading stuff and really thinking about it, something hit me.. if the government is essentially in control of our health care, and we get free or very low cost care, something has to give. I suspect that they'd try to control our lives more and more, I mean--the health insurance companies I've heard are pretty hard on anyone they don't peg as being in "tip-top" shape, well, how can you get healthy if you can't afford preventative and/or medical intervention? I suspect that the government would take it even further, I mean I have read about the FDA wanting to ban or make even dietary supplements unavailable for purchase over the counter. That would be horrible, because then the people who take vitamins and stuff couldn't get those without going to a doctor and maybe paying twice as much! I have really gone from one mindset to another quickly on this because I really don't think the government should be able to tell us what to do in our personal life. I haven't had health insurance in about 9-10 years, since my mom had to go on disability, because I was covered under her work insurance. I rarely get sick enough to go to the doctors, but I do feel it would be better if I did have insurance, for example--last Fall I broke my ankle, my parents are still paying medical bills from that, and the biggest cost from that was the ambulance bill! I wish I knew what a good alternative to Universal Health Care would be, but I just can't find perspective on it, I just know I don't want the government trying to tell me how to live my life--that cost is way more to me than any premium. Anyway, just my opinions. I can definitely see both sides, especially since not long ago I was very passionately for UHC, when I think with my heart I still think that would be good, but my mind tells me otherwise.

I definitely think Obama has the better plan. McCain's wouldn't really help those that need it the most at all. A $5000 tax credit sounds good, probably even to some people who don't even pay $5000 in taxes to begin with, because they don't fully understand what it's all about. Obama's plan isn't to put the government in charge or to give everyone "free" health care or insurance but rather to give those without insurance to buy into the same type of plan he and all federal employees have. Having worked for the Postal Service for 18 years I can tell you we do pay a good portion of our health premiums but we get a better deal than someone would as an individual. If those who aren't federal employees were also allowed into this pool that would bring costs down even further since there would be so many more contributing to it. Also, McCain's plan doesn't address those with preexisting conditions at all other than to say they'd have to pay more, or at least that's how I understand it. Now there are millions of Americans who can't get insurance because of a preexisting condition and millions more who are unable to change jobs to better themselves because they or a family member has one of these conditions. Neither candidate's plan will get put into effect as is no matter who gets elected. there will be a lot of debate and studies and even when something is passed there will probably be changes made as we go along. In other words, it may not be perfect at the outset but we do need to do something and we can't wait any longer. Nobody should suffer needlessly, go bankrupt, lose their home or DIE because they can't afford the care they need. Not in the United States of America, the greatest and richest country in the world! Annie