Barack Obama's Blueprint for Change: Health Care

Having finally had enough of the random hot button topics and conflicts people seem so determined to use during this election season to distract us from what's really at stake

come November, I decided to sit down and dissect the issues so I could gain a clear understanding of each one. The below is what I came up with.

I started with Barack Obama's Blueprint for Change.

The first thing that struck me about the blueprint is the request that we think over the policies inside and get in touch with the Obama staff to relay our thoughts and suggestions. What a marvelous invitation! And it's totally in line with Obama's promise to put government back in the hands of the people. From there, the blueprint goes right into Ethics then on to Health Care.

Part 2 - Obama on Health Care

Barack Obama is concerned that 47 million Americans lack health care; health insurance premiums have risen four times faster than worker pay during the past six years; and we don't spend enough on prevention or public health care which leads to skyrocketing costs for treatment after the fact.

To address these issues, Obama is going to make a new national health plan available to all Americans which will include the self employed and small business owners. The plan will be affordable and have comparable features to the plan that is offered to members of Congress. Let's take a look at some of the features of the plan.

Guaranteed Eligibility - no one can be turned away because of illness or pre-existing conditions.

What this means to the average citizen is that the days of being eligible for health insurance only if you are in top shape will be gone. If you are uninsured and coughing up a lung when you enroll in this new health plan, the insurer will not be able to turn you away. You'll get the coverage you need and the treatment necessary to put the lung back where it's supposed to be.

Comprehensive Benefits - all essential medical services will be covered including preventative, maternity and mental health care.