While neither candidate is offering a universal system of health care, it does seem that Obama is closer to the mark. McCain’s plan sounds like Bush’s idea of privatizing Social Security–give people tax credits and let them choose. Sounds all well and good, that people should have a choice, but in reality, how much of a choice does one actually have?

Regulation of the health insurance industry is pathetic, and I fear that a McCain led government would make it even more “free market.” In other words, continuing to pander to the wealthiest corporations.

A regular nurse, maybe even a hokey mom or a pitt bull with lipstick (but one who sounds a lot more coherent that Caribou Barbie, who is in dire need of lessons in English language syntax) penned a nice opinion piece about the healthcare positions of the two candidates.

The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. This gap and current structure of our health care system has affected the health of all Americans. If we do have insurance, we are paying higher deductibles and in some cases, have to get permission from our insurance company to access the care we need. Our employers are unable to provide raises and invest in expansions due to the rising cost of insurance premiums.

Here are a few examples of the annual compension packages paid to CEOs of some of the major insurers: United Healthcare $8.3 million, WellPoint, Inc. $5.2 million, Cigna $4.7 million (Atlantic Information Services, April 24, 2006). Can you see where I am going with this?

So the next time you get an insurance raise, and they give you the usual corporate “bleeding heart” whine about growing medical costs, ask them about their CEO’s compensation package.  Should $8.3 million of your insurance premiums really be going to line this guy’s pocket, especially when after paying your exhorbitant premiums, they still demand a copay of 25%?

Do either of our candidates have a plan to streamline insurers and force them to be accountable? Or to force them to insure everyone who wants it, even if they had their tonsils removed 25 years ago? Or were treated for acne in 1962?

Despite the shortcomings of both candidates, this nurse feels that Obama has more of grip on reality, and on a plan that is more workable.

Studies by the Tax Policy Center say the Obama plan would reduce the number of uninsured Americans by 18 million in 2009 and McCain’s plan would only reduce the number of uninsured by 1 million in 2009. In my opinion, the McCain plan falls short of most Americans’ expectations. The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not have a universal healthcare system.

Healthcare has fallen a bit by the wayside, in lieu of the more urgent financial crisis.  But it is still important, and it is a chronic issue that is going to be waiting for us after the dust clears.