Health Care in NC: How the Presidential Candidates Plan to Make it Better

America's health care crisis is one of the biggest issues facing America today. Millions of Americans are victims of rising medical costs, being either uninsured or underinsured.

According to www.barackobama.com , health insurance premiums have skyrocketed...rising 4 times faster than wages over the past 6 years. Barack Obama's health care plan would be a National Health Care plan for everyone...very similar to the one available to member of Congress. Eligibility would be guaranteed, and there would be choice and portability. Leaving a job would no longer mean losing your insurance coverage.

An emphasis on prevention will be key in Obama's plan, and those with the plan will be expected to utilize proven disease management programs, which will result in money saved in the long run.

Obama's plan will make it mandatory to have health coverage for children, and young adults will be able to continue coverage through their parents insurance up to age 25.

His plan also calls for more transparency in regard to costs and quality as well as improved mental health care...providing equal coverage for serious mental health issues.

Hilary Clinton also plans on making sure all Americans are covered by health insurance through a set of affordable plans similar to those offered to members of Congress.

According to www.hilaryclinton.com , there will be improved quality at lower costs and coverage for everyone who pays their premiums. Her plan will offer tax credits for small businesses who insure their employees, as well as working families.

Portability will be another aspect of Clinton's plan. Losing a job will not mean losing your insurance. Clinton's plan also include to strengthen Medicaid and CHIP.

John McCain's plan is restoring control to the patients themselves. According to www.johnmccain.com , he plans on reforming the tax code. Although employee based health coverage will still be an option, a tax credit of $2500 cash for individuals or $5000 cash for families will also be an option. The money would be directly sent to the provider. Any surplus would be deposited into a Health Savings Account, which McCain will encourage.

McCain would also like to see portable insurance that will follow a person from job to job.

He would also see that high risk patients or patients who are usually uninsurable will have guaranteed access...and he would place reasonable limits on cost.

McCain's plan will see that Seniors receive a monthly stipend to assist with long term care.

He will also look to provide coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.

The plan that appeals the most to me is Obama's plan because of the mandatory coverage for children, and also because of his commitment to improve Mental Health care. I also believe in the guaranteed eligibility and coverage for all Americans. My family has not been able to afford insurance for years and it has taken a toll on our health, in that we are not able to afford checkups. We also live in fear of a medical catastrophe.

I believe that Obama's plan is the plan for North Carolinians and all of America. So many people struggle with the same kind of struggles that my family struggles with. His plan is one that has the entire family in mind, and it is the one that will ensure the best future for our children.