2008 Woodie Awards
New plan, same agenda
Health care alternatives the same for both parties
David White, Staff Writer
Issue date: 9/26/07Section: Editorials and Opinion
"The American people should have access to the same array of health care choices and benefits as the Senators and Representatives they elect."
This was a bold statement made by Senator Hillary R. Clinton, front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, who unveiled her ambitious new plan for health care last week. "The American Health Choices Plan," the proposal's official title, is yet another broad outline by a presidential candidate aimed to lower the high number of Americans who are uninsured. The announcement should come as no surprise since, given the magnitude of public concern over health coverage this election year, every serious contender has been expected to present a general strategy in dealing with the controversial issue. The significance of Mrs. Clinton's proposal, however, is that it is the first one she has offered since the ill-fated health care plan she originally proposed during her husband's presidency.
That highly contested plan was defeated in 1994 due in large part to its complexity and a Republican-controlled Congress. Its failure served to further divide Americans on the issue and that divide has only grown as the number of Americans without health coverage, according the National Coalition on Health Care, has swollen to 47 million people as of 2005.
Perhaps learning from her past mistakes, Senator Clinton did not attempt to create an improved version of her previous plan. In fact, her new proposal is almost a direct opposite.
Businesses would not be required to provide coverage for all of their employees, for instance, but would instead receive tax incentives to help cover the financial burden if they do decide to comply. Also, those who have been more than satisfied with their current coverage would not have to worry about surrendering their private insurance plan.
"This is not government run," said Clinton. "There will be no new bureaucracy." She stressed that no one will have to sacrifice the comfort of having a private doctor.
This was a bold statement made by Senator Hillary R. Clinton, front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, who unveiled her ambitious new plan for health care last week. "The American Health Choices Plan," the proposal's official title, is yet another broad outline by a presidential candidate aimed to lower the high number of Americans who are uninsured. The announcement should come as no surprise since, given the magnitude of public concern over health coverage this election year, every serious contender has been expected to present a general strategy in dealing with the controversial issue. The significance of Mrs. Clinton's proposal, however, is that it is the first one she has offered since the ill-fated health care plan she originally proposed during her husband's presidency.
That highly contested plan was defeated in 1994 due in large part to its complexity and a Republican-controlled Congress. Its failure served to further divide Americans on the issue and that divide has only grown as the number of Americans without health coverage, according the National Coalition on Health Care, has swollen to 47 million people as of 2005.
Perhaps learning from her past mistakes, Senator Clinton did not attempt to create an improved version of her previous plan. In fact, her new proposal is almost a direct opposite.
Businesses would not be required to provide coverage for all of their employees, for instance, but would instead receive tax incentives to help cover the financial burden if they do decide to comply. Also, those who have been more than satisfied with their current coverage would not have to worry about surrendering their private insurance plan.
"This is not government run," said Clinton. "There will be no new bureaucracy." She stressed that no one will have to sacrifice the comfort of having a private doctor.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Darren Staley
posted 10/03/07 @ 3:33 AM NA
Strangely, I find myself dismayed by and in agreement with the author at the same time.
First, the Clinton, Obama, and Edwards plans all provide for universal coverage. (Continued…)
Stephen Holland
posted 10/05/07 @ 3:44 AM NA
I'm afraid the author has his facts wrong. Sen. Clinton's, as well as Sen. Edwards' plans mandate that all people to be insured. The last category, the uninsured, don't exist under their plans. (Continued…)
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