Comparing the Basics of 2008 Presidential Health Care Proposals

As Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain cross the country rallying support for their presidential bids, the true essence of many issues gets lost in the excitement of speeches and rallies. One such issue impacts the lives of every American: health care.

The nation is the midst of an uncharacteristically dramatic presidential primary season. Compared with the theatrics of a precedent-setting election season, the tedious specifics of health care proposals often do not draw the attention of voters. Yet the plans of all three potential presidents, if adopted, will have far-reaching effects for Americans of every age, every race and every level of economic status.

Although the candidates have distinctly different plans to improve health care in the United States, the plans of all three have one thing in common: the lofty goals are probably never going to reach fruition.

Who will be legally required to buy insurance

The candidates' positions vary widely on a strict requirement to obtain coverage. McCain believes that citizens should be responsible for their own health care and should not be legally required to be insured.

"We do not believe in coercion and the use of state power to mandate care, coverage or costs," McCain said at a Rotary luncheon in Des Moines, Iowa in October, 2007.

Completely opposite of McCain, Clinton's plan would require every individual to obtain insurance, require every large employer to provide coverage and provide incentives for small employers to contribute towards their workers' coverage. Just as drivers in most states are required to purchase car insurance, all Americans have a responsibility to buy health insurance, Clinton said a speech at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa in September, 2007.

"The sad reality is that the uninsured don't just struggle with costs themselves, they impose costs on the rest of us," she said. "It's a hidden tax."