This is the first of what I hope to be several blogs that are aimed at revealing the positions of the Democratic candidates on the various issues that concern the general public. There will be no particular order to these, however feel free to comment with requests and so forth.
Before I delve into the issue, I want everyone to know that this series of blogs will be both objective and accurate. I am a member of the Republican party and have no preference for the Democratic race. I will leave that up to the Democratic populace.
The Status of Healthcare:
Currently, the Healthcare system of the United States is ineffective at best. It has been reported that nearly 47 million Americans are uninsured, with more than 10% of that number being children. In addition, the costs for obtaining and using Healthcare are constantly raising in price and putting even more pressure on the general populace (this also has an impact on the economy, but I'll get to that at another point in time). One other thing is Prevention. Everyone is talking about researching cures for various diseases, and I support that. However statistics show that only 4 cents of every dollar is spent toward public health/prevention. This helps create an environment where healthcare is frequently needed.
Obama on Healthcare:
Since the beginning, Obama has had in a mind a healthcare policy that is NOT mandated by the federal government. The major accomplishment of this program would be to provide the ability to access healthcare to individuals and families who normally would not be able to because of monetary circumstances. In addition, that same ability would be applicable to private and small business owners for their employees. It would, in effect, be remarkably similar to the Health plan that is given to members of Congress (Look Up FEHBP). In addition, insurance companies that take part in this program would be required to report data so that efficiency, quality, and standards are being met.
This program would be in addition to the system that we already have in place here in the United States, however Obama calls for drastic modernization of the current system. Three of the major points he makes concern disease management programs, integrating and coordinating care, and the requirement of full transparency about costs and quality of the care. In addition, Obama seeks to lower costs by investing in Electronic Health Information Technology Systems. Our current system of filing and obtaining medical records is somewhat effective, but could use major improvement. In addition he would lower prices by increasing competition among the insurance and drug markets.
Specific issues relating to healthcare for Obama:
Fighting AIDS, worldwide
Supporting Americans With Disabilities
Improving Mental Health Care
Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning
Reducing risks of mercury poisoning
Supporting Americans with Autism
This information is freely available on www.barackobama.com
Clinton on Healthcare:
The major difference between the two exists in their mandating of healthcare. Clinton wishes for the healthcare system to cover every American, including those whose circumstances may not normally allow it. Similar to Obama's plan, Americans would have access to a program that is remarkably similar to the program that members of Congress receive. In addition, Americans would have the option for access to public healthcare programs such as Medicare. If Americans are happy with their current healthcare plan, they will be allowed to keep it, while benefiting from the results of Clinton's program. Her program seeks to reduce costs of healthcare by removing taxes and focus on efficency and modernization. In addition, this program would eradicate the idea of discrimination with regards to access to medical coverage-in theory, anyone will be able to obtain coverage, no matter their situation.
Clinton's plan seeks to share the responsibility for the program amidst several different entities. Insurance companies will be required to end discrimination on every level, while the drug industry will be mandated to offer fair prices and accurate information. Providers of healthcare will wok with patients and businesses to deliver quality and affordable care. Employers will be required to help finance the program and offer a healthcare plan for their employees. Finally, the government will ensure that insurance is always affordable and available to all Americans.
Specific issues relating to healthcare for Clinton:
Cancer
Autism
Fighting HIV and AIDS
Breast Cancer
This information is freely available at www.hillaryclinton.com
Feel free to post your opinions or questions, and I will do my best to answer them.
This may be the one place where I am more aligned with Hillary Clinton than Obama. However, I don't believe that should we do what she wants if she got into the White House... which, I might add, does not seem very likely.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/jloigman
You wrote early on in the post that you wanted to remain objective and whatnot, and i said to myself, there's just no way. By the end of the post, it became more and more apparent... you're a good writer. Thank you for the information.
Every organism's heartbeat holds a universe of beauty at http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/green-underbelly