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What’s the difference between McCain and Obama?

Posted by: Julia Eisman on Aug 14, 2008

If Senators McCain and Obama can agree on one thing,it's that we need health reform.  While theplans have some commonalities, there are also significant differences.

Accordingto our recent 501 (c)4 report, Health Care and the2008 Election:  Comparing the Candidates'Positions on Health Care, "Senator McCain offers a radical restructuring ofAmerica's health care system" while "Senator Obama's proposal builds on ourcurrent system of health coverage, preserving what works and strengtheningaspects of the system that need improvement."

Forexample, McCain's proposal:

Seeks to move Americans from group coverage-especially the employer-based coverage they have today-to individual coverage, so that each individual has to negotiate directly with insurance companies over premium prices and benefits. Senator McCain's proposal also includes tax code changes that will weaken existing employer-based coverage.

Meanwhile,Obama's proposal:

Allows workers to keep the group coverage they now have through their jobs. Employers help 180 million workers and their dependents obtain coverage today, and Senator Obama recognizes the importance of this financial support. His proposal strengthens the employer or group-based insurance system, rather than moving toward individual insurance, since groups have more clout in bargaining for lower premiums and better benefits.

Inthis analysis, we ask ten important questions about the candidates' plans. Forexample, will the candidate prohibitinsurance companies from "cherry-picking" only the young and healthy? Willthe candidate prohibit insurance companies from chargingexorbitant premiums to people with pre-existing conditions or familyhistories of health problems? Will the candidate's plan protect employer-basedhealth coverage?

Findanswers to these questions, and more here.