Democrats
Democrats are proposing that the insurance plan currently available to the President and members of Congress be expanded to include the 44 million uninsured Americans.Since 2000, employees with health insurance coverage have seen premiums for family coverage increase about 50 percent -- more than $2,600 per year -- according to Democratic statistics. In the past year, health care costs have risen four times faster than wages.
The Kerry for President web site contains these proposals for health insurance:
- Small businesses will be able to buy the same health plan available to members of Congress.
- Small businesses tax credits of up to 50 percent of the cost of the employee premium will help provide health insurance for low- and moderate-income employees.
- An expanded funding of state-based programs (Medicaid) will insure all children and millions of adults.
- Allow reimporting of medicine from Canada, saving Americans 33 to 80 percent on prescription drugs.
Republicans
Republicans claim that health care costs are rising because of "runaway litigation" and are promoting a $250,000 cap on malpractice awards as a central part of its plan to improve access to health care in the United States.A report by the Administration's Department of Health and Human Services suggests that expenses related to legal liability (including malpractice insurance) add $60 - $108 billion to the annual $1.6 trillion health-care bill. That translates to 3.75 - 6.75 percent of total costs.
The Bush for President web site contains these proposals for health insurance:
- The President signed legislation creating Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The Treasury Department estimates HSAs will result in over 1 million newly-insured Americans.
- In December 2003, President Bush signed legislation making prescription drug coverage available to 40 million seniors and people with disabilities through Medicare.
- HHS-approved waivers and state plan amendments have expanded eligibility to more than 2.6 million people.
- Individuals who do not have employer-funded insurance should receive an income tax credit. The Treasury Department estimates that this will allow coverage for an additional 4.5 million Americans.
- Limiting malpractice awards will reduce malpractice costs and thus reduce the cost of health care.